• Home
  • Articles
    • Front Page
    • General Interest
    • Snippets
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Council Comments
  • Special Interests
  • Our Community
    • Our People
    • Question of the Week
    • Jobs in the Central West
    • Be Seen
    • What’s On
    • What’s Hot
  • Features
    • Women in Business
    • Rural Round Up
    • My Place
    • Loving Local Living
    • Wellness Wise
    • Just a Short Drive
    • Real Estate
  • Sports
    • Bowls
    • Cricket
    • Equestrian
    • Footy Tips
    • Golf
    • Netball
    • Rugby League
    • Rugby Union
    • Soccer
    • Touch Football
  • Classifieds
  • Competitions
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Page
    • Advertise with us
    • Testimonials
    • Submit an Article
    • Subscribe to the Forbes Phoenix

Forbes Phoenix

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Forbes Phoenix Celebrates 300 Issues

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

300 CLUB: The Forbes Phoenix celebrates its 300th issue this week after launching in July, 2015. Since then, the Phoenix
Newspaper Group has expanded to Parkes, Mudgee, Cowra and the Blue Mountains. It is also the sister publication
to the Canowindra Phoenix.

This week’s issue of the Forbes Phoenix commemorates the 300th issue of the boutique newspaper. Launched in July, 2015 by Cheryl Newsom then on-sold to her daughter Sarah Maynard in March 2017, the Forbes Phoenix is now on its third owner with Cowra based Joshua Matic.

In the six years since the paper began servicing the Forbes community as a viable weekly alternative to other forms of press, the town has rallied behind everyone’s favourite free newspaper and completely supported the “Live Local, Love Local and Support Local” mantra.

For Mr Matic, who also owns the Parkes, Cowra, Canowindra, Mudgee and Blue Mountains Phoenix newspapers as well as Yellow House Printing in Cowra, the local, positive angle to everything the organisation does is what sets it apart and is seeing it grow.

“We really are all about our communities and shining a light on everything local from services and business through to events and resources,” Josh said.

“We really try to showcase the towns we serve,” he said.

“Now we have an office in Forbes in the arcade near Flannery’s Pharmacy and are offering multi-media solutions such as video and online advertising making us one of the only organisations in the region that offers everything”.

With news more important than ever and local constraints placed upon most of the country, it has never been a better time to support local.

Here’s to the next 300!

Central West And Western NSW Free Mental Health Workshops

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Parents, carers and community members supporting young people experiencing mental health challenges can register to attend a free mental health workshop hosted by headspace, thanks to a $1.2 million investment by the NSW Government.

NSW Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the workshops will help parents and carers better understand the unique challenges facing young people and how to access appropriate support.

“This is about improving mental health literacy in the community in areas such as recognising danger signs, learning share-able coping skills and accessing local support services.”

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the sessions will benefit the whole community.

“These sessions are for any parent or carer who is worried about their child and doesn’t know how to start a conversation about what’s going on in their lives,” said Mrs Taylor.

Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said understanding suicide will also be a key part of the training. “Many young people have thoughts of suicide when life seems unbearable and they can’t imagine another way out,” Mr Trethowan said.

“The vast majority of these young people will not act on those thoughts, but we want parents and carers to be able to talk about such thoughts in a way that doesn’t inadvertently shame the young person or encourage them to stay silent.”

PARKES – NSW Parent and Carer Mental Health Education session registration – Tuesday 24th August at 12:00pm. To book visit: www.eventbrite.com.au/o/headspacenational-youth-mental-health-foundation-30549822220

Forbes Gets Ultrasound Upgrades

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

ULTRASOUND UPGRADES: Sonographer Janelle Toole, Forbes Health Service Medical Imaging Manager Jenny Webb and Sonographer Suzanne Woods.

In a real boost to the region, residents in Forbes, Orange and Dubbo are reaping the benefits of almost half a million dollars’ worth of state-of-the-art imaging equipment upgrades at the hospitals. Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) invested $450,000 to upgrade the three sites’ ultra-sound machines.

WNSWLHD Medical Imaging Services General Manager James Harvey said, “This provides an important boost to the region’s Medical Imaging services. We have a very thorough replacement program for our Medical Imaging equipment, this year alone we have replaced nearly $3.5 million worth of equipment across a range of sites including Orange, Dubbo, Forbes, Coonabarabran and Bourke.”

“We strive to ensure our Medical Imaging Departments and staff utilise the best and most up-to-date equipment as possible, leading to improved diagnostic outcomes for patients.”

All three new machines are operational and in use while the new unit at Forbes Hospital is providing patients in the area with more access to care – something many have been championing for some time.

Forbes Health Service Medical Imaging Manager, Jenny Webb was ecstatic with the news.

“Having world class, state-of-the-art imaging equipment in a rural community benefits all patients referred to our Medical Imaging Service. We can offer a wide variety of scan types that patients don’t need to travel elsewhere for – saving time, effort, money and transport,” she said.

“Any patient that requires an ultrasound, from within the hospital or a referral, can access Forbes Medical Imaging ultrasound services. Ultrasound uses no radiation and is excellent at visualising soft tissues such as organs, muscles, blood flows and commonly used for pregnancy.”

The equipment has been funded through a combination of leasing, trade-ins and capital funding. The WNSWLHD budget for 2020-21 is more than $1 billion, that’s $21 million more than the previous year.

Snippets…

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

THANK YOU: Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller (right) with Forbes SES and RFS members last week presenting them with their donations thanking them for their efforts.

Thank You RFS And SES: Forbes Shire Council recently held a presentation of donations to RFS and SES as a thank you for their generous contribution to Frost and Fire. “We have great pleasure in making this donation to the local RFS and SES in appreciation of the amazing work they do for the community and in particular for Frost and Fire,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller.

The RFS provided 15 volunteers to look after the safety aspects of Frost and Fire event. The crew helped with overseeing acts that included fire and the lighting of the magnificent effigy. Cheques of $250 for both Yarragong and Forbes Central Station. Presentations were made to the Captain of Yarragong Brigade, Andrew Barnard and Forbes Central Captain, Ron Hocking.

The SES were also at the event with their boat to oversee water safety during the event with Rocky Walshaw and two other local members with a donation of a pair of binoculars to thank them for their contribution.

Farewell To Two Forbes Institutions: Two of Forbes best kept secrets are now public knowledge with first Grant Clifton selling the Vandenberg Hotel and then Marc Wright doing the same with the Pit Stop in a few months time. Congrats to both of you and your families for looking after the people of Forbes! Thank you! Enjoy your retirement and we hope to see you around town. The Pit Stop reopened last week.

Calls To Kids Helpline Increasing In Numbers Since COVID: Data from Kids Helpline six monthly report identifies a 200% increase in counselling contacts from 5-year-olds over the first six months of 2021 when compared to 1st January to 30th June 2020. Citing issues including emotional wellbeing and loss or grief concerns, national numbers spiked from 14 contacts from 5-year-olds in the first six months of 2020, to 42 counselling contacts to Kids Helpline in the first six months of 2021. The number of answered contacts requesting counselling support have all increased in the first half of this year compared to the first half of 2020.

Works Continue Around Shire: From Lachlan Vintage Village to Lions Park – Forbes Shire Council continues to beautify our amazing town with a number of projects being undertaken at the moment. Along with all the recent rain the town has never looked as good!

FSC WORKS IN PROGRESS: Forbes Shire Council is working on a number of projects around the shire including the beautification of our lake area and the construction of a new Visitors Centre at the old Lachlan Vintage Village site.

 

 

 

Happy 1st Birthday Chiropractic Life Forbes

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SERVICING THE CENTRAL WEST: Deb Weaver and Dr Daniel Rasmusson of Chiropractic Life service Forbes, Parkes, Cowra, Canowindra and Grenfell.

Dr. Daniel Rasmusson has just turned over a year in practice here in Forbes and is more excited than ever to be a part of this community.

Dan’s chiropractic story began in his home town in Billesholm, Sweden where he had an interest in health & fitness and started powerlifting and bodybuilding. Dan discovered chiropractic as he researched ways to improve his overall performance. Fascinated by his research, he tried it for himself and was blown away by his results.

Dan enrolled himself at the best Chiropractic School in the world; The New Zealand College of Chiropractic, where he spent the next 5 years. Shortly thereafter he was headhunted by CEO of Chiropractic Life, Dr. Adam McKenzie. After one week visiting Forbes, he had fallen in love with the rural town and its amazing community.

Unfortunately, plans changed as Dan had to wait over 6 months for his visa to be approved. Meanwhile the practice was temporarily closed. This August we are celebrating 12 months since Dr. Dan has been officially practicing in Forbes. Dan is loving his life here and is excited to continue helping the people of our community live their healthiest lives.

Chiropractic Life is located at 39A South Gloucester Street, Forbes. Call 02 6815 7877 or go to www.chiropracticlife.com.au

Be Seen

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

FUNDING BOOST: NSW National’s Sam Farraway with Aileen Allen from the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre, Cr. Steve Karaitiana and Bruce Adams at the announcement of funding for a native bush garden last week.

 

BOOK PARADE: Children and staff from schools across Forbes participated in a COVID-safe Education Week and Book Week series of activities recently. Children across all schools had a blast.

 

GREAT DAY: Forbes North Public School celebrating a great day at the recent Lachlan PSSA Championships in Parkes.

 

OUT AND ABOUT: Forbes Shire Council’s Sarah Williams was out and about in the Forbes Shire last week assisting the community along with other FSC staff and providing info during Local Government Week.

 

FILLING UP: Matthew Corliss standing on the banks of Bundaburrah Creek outside Forbes. Water levels continue to rise in the region after heavy winter rains.

 

FJC ENGINE ROOM: Some of the amazing volunteers from Forbes Jockey Club that made the recent running of the Forbes Cup one of the best yet.

 

Forbes Autosports Club Races Aug 15

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Sportsauto Club will still be racing this Sunday August 15, Hoopers Road, Daroobalgie. Gates open at 6:30am with racing at 9am. Check for latest COVID restrictions.

Croquet News

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

We had 22 players for Golf Croquet on Tuesday 3rd August. There 4 players who managed 3 games, John Cole, Kevin Rubie, Alex Todd and Bill Scott. The big wins 11 – 2 Alex Todd and John Cole. Close games Colleen Liebich 7 Harley Stewart 6.

There were 22 players for Aussie Croquet on Saturday 7th August. The players with 3 wins, John Allegri, Kevin Rubie and Lorraine Todd. Big wins 14 – 8 Colleen Liebich and Kevin Rubie. Close games Anne Stewart and Joan Littlejohn 14 Harley Stewart and Doreen Rogers 13. That’s it till next week!

By Pegging Out

Platypi Play Dogs In Do-Or-Die Semi

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

CRUNCH TIME: The Forbes Platypi First XV will take on third placed Bathurst Bulldogs this weekend in Bathurst in a bid to stay alive in the Blowes Menswear Central West Rugby Championship.

For those who attended the Ronald McDonald House Orange fundraiser at Grinstead Oval in Forbes last Saturday, they would have been given a preview of semi-final football come early when the Forbes Platypi XV held on to beat the Dubbo Kangaroos 29-26 in front of a parochial local crowd in what was their last home game for the season.

Despite the difficult task of now having to win the Blowes Menswear Central West Rugby Championship on the road this sea-son – a feat not beyond the Platypi, it was also the ideal tune up for what lies ahead this weekend when fourth placed Forbes – who finished with a record of seven wins, seven losses and a draw and a neat 0 points differential, take on the Bathurst Bulldogs in Bathurst in a winner-takes-all minor semi-final.

Cowra will host Orange Emus in the major semi after beating them last week 23-12 at home. The winner will progress to a home grand final while the loser will play the winner of Bathurst v Forbes.

Seconds meanwhile will have an off season to ponder where it all went wrong after their year wound up with a fifth placed finish. Despite glimpses of brilliance, the COVID pandemic, a lack of continuity and squad changes made season 2021 a trying one indeed but one the club can still build on.

In brighter news Forbes Junior Rugby Club were confirmed as Central West Junior Rugby Champions for 2021 and hosted the semi-finals over the weekend for Under 12s through to Under 16s. It has been a massive effort from the club.

With the end of season here mark it down in your calendars, the Forbes Rugby Union Club will also hold it’s presentation night on September 3 with more information available closer to the date.

Sports Briefs

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

GUTSY RESULT: The Forbes Allstars fought out a gutsy draw again with Parkes Vipers last weekend 2-2.

Supporting Ronald McDonald House Orange

Forbes Rugby is playing its part in the Central West Rugby Fundraising Challenge. This is an initiative supported by Blowes Menswear, who is not only a major sponsor of our competition but also a supporter of RMHC Orange, and has called upon our zone to help raise funds in support of the phenomenal work of Ronald McDonald House Orange.
Since opening in 2015, RMHC Orange has assisted at least 95 families from Forbes and surrounds. All money raised will stay in Orange to support families from the central and far west as their child is receiving specialist and life-saving treatment in Orange Hospital. To donate you can go to the link below. https://fundraise.rmhc.org.au/fundraisers/forbesrugbyclub

Magpies Lose Local Derby To Spacemen

Forbes Magpies 18s were the only side to get a win on the weekend in the clash between Forbes Magpies and rivals Parkes Spacemen. Reserves were unlucky not to get the win in a bold display while the Women’s were outclassed by the Spacecats. In the top grade, Parkes showed many why they are a formidable outfit in 2021 with a strong 38-22 victory over a gallant Magpies outfit.

• Women’s – Parkes 24 – 4 Forbes
• Under 18s – Parkes 4 – 36 Forbes
• Reserve Grade – Parkes 14 – 10 Forbes
• First Grade – Parkes 38 – 22 Forbes

Allstars Fight Back For Draw 2-2 With Vipers

Forbes Allstars did it the hard way and late to earn a well-deserved draw against Parkes Vipers last weekend. In another bold showing in tough conditions, the Allstars came back from 2-0 down to equalize late and share the points.

 

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 103
  • 104
  • 105
  • 106
  • 107
  • …
  • 534
  • Next Page »

Click here to download the recent issue (177) of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix (1.9MB PDF) – 20th February 2026

SEARCH THE PHOENIX

STAY CONNECTED

The Forbes Phoenix would like to thank you, our Facebook friends, for your continued support and readership!

Recent Articles

  • Local Advocate Drives National Road Safety Change During National Driver Fatigue Week February 19, 2026
  • Mayoral Notes February 19, 2026
  • Snippets… February 19, 2026
  • Be Seen @ Forbes Public School Swimming Carnival February 19, 2026
  • Patchy Mobile Services An Ongoing Concern February 19, 2026

Phoenix Office 7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

Editor 0432 337 278
editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Sales 0432 337 278
sales@forbesphoenix.com.au

View our Privacy Policy. View our Conflict Resolution Process. View our Ethics and Complaints Policy. Want to advertise with us? Information on our Community Promotions.

We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community.

Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form.

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in