Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Comfort Capes For Kids

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

FOR THE KIDS: Christine L’Estrange, Robyn Miller (President of Forbes CWA Evening Branch) and Sue Cunningham (CWA) posing with comfort capes for children impacted by the recent uncertainty with the COVID pandemic.

Forbes Country Women’s Association Evening Branch has jumped on board with Wilcannia-Forbes Catholic Care by donating comfort capes to kids.

Forbes CWA Evening Branch President, Robyn Miller said “those who work with families and children supporting them in times of need, require all the assistance they can get, particularly in these uncertain and often anxious times”.

“Forbes CWA Evening Branch are proud to assist Wilcannia Forbes Catholic Care in doing this by donating a dozen security comfort capes for them to use with children whose world is changing rapidly due to family issues,” Robyn said.

“COVID-19 had played a role in delaying the donation but now, more than ever, it is important that children have a sense of security and a bit of normalcy. We hope these capes can bring a little of security and fun to them”.

The capes were made by a CWA Evening Branch member using Toy Story images as the theme for the capes.

Christine L’Estange, representing Catholic Care said, “the capes will be used for children at the playgroups held at the Women’s Refuge and that they would be much appreciated by both children and staff”.

“I’m sure the children will find some fun in playing with their super security capes and that they (the capes) bring comfort and a sense of security wearing them”.

Ms L’Estrange also thanked Forbes CWA Evening Branch for their ongoing support of the Women’s Refuge.

Croquet News

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

We had 25 players for Golf Croquet on Tuesday July 13th. There were 2 winners of 3 games Neville Spry and Tony Thomson. Big wins were 10-3 Kevin Rubie and Jill Rubie, Alex Todd and John Farah, Bob Murray and Tony Thomson. Close games were Jenny Job and Tony Thomson 7 Colleen Liebich and Lorraine Todd 6.

There was no play on Saturday July 17th due to weather.

Forbes Sports Shooters

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes S.S.A.A. Rim-fire and Centre-fire will be held on August 1 at 10am and 2pm respectively. The sporting clays will be on August 7 and 8. The Saturday shoot will be a 75 target five-stand shoot starting 4pm. Sunday Shoot is a 100-target field shoot for the Tim Lynch Memorial shield at 10am at the Bedgerebong Range Rd, if wet, a five-stand shoot will be held. For information on clay target shooting contact: Norm Brook mobile 0458 664 541. Rim-fire or Centre-fire rifle enthusiasts can attend these shoots after filling out a P650 form at the club. Junior shooters must be 12yrs+. Anyone wishing to obtain a long-arm firearm licence can contact Wayne Facey on mobile 0414 524 059. For .22 calibre rimfire shooting contact Norm Brook on 0458 664 541 or David Coleman on 0427 401 263 AH. Local Range rules apply. Facebook @ Forbes Sporting Shooters.

Mayoral Notes

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Another week has passed and the COVID-19 situation in NSW is still a very real concern. I want to thank everyone for wearing their masks and signing into every venue they enter, hopefully we manage to remain COVID-free. Our neighbours in the Cabonne Shire have gone into a 7-day lockdown. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they go through this.

Last week’s Council meeting was very productive with a lot of important decisions made for the future of Forbes. Council was presented with the Energy Action Plan for the Shire and it was very interesting. The plan is on exhibition for all of you to read and make comments. It is great to see Council are planning to reduce its energy consumption whilst still meeting the needs of the community, we would like to hear what you think about it. We discussed the letters I have written to the NSW Health Minister regarding the need for a new operating theatre for our hospital and all our Councillors agreed, this is very important for our community and we will continue to fight for this.

I again welcome anyone thinking of putting their hand up to be on Council to get in touch and come to the Candidate session being held on 28th July. You can join the

Be Seen

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

QUICK VISIT: Member for Riverina and National’s MP Michael McCormack making a sweeping visit to Forbes this week to update Forbes Shire Council on a number of projects.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN: Despite COVID coming back to parts of NSW, Forbes children were able to participate in a number of COVID safe events put on by the Forbes Youth Action Team.

LADDER TO LEARNING: National’s MP Michael McCormack with Learning Ladder Forbes, Aiden Clarke, on his whirlwind tour this week.

WINTERY CONDITIONS: Along with almost matching last year’s rainfall with two weeks to go, Forbes has also been cold with the lowest temp nearly -2 degrees back on July 8. Photo courtesy of Therese Faerie.

TAKING EUGOWRA BY STORM: The Fat Parcel Food van in Eugowra is fast becoming the best little eatery for those looking for a weekend bite to eat.

Dominos Sports Brief

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Staines Gets Double In Win For Panthers

It wasn’t pretty but Charlie Staines Penrith Panthers scored an important 30-16 win over a gallant NZ Warriors in Brisbane.

The Warriors, who played the second half with no interchange players, only trailed 16-10 at the break after earlier establishing a 10-4 lead.
But as their troops began to fall over and fatigue set in Penrith capitalised with Staines crossing for a second half brace to put the issue beyond doubt midway through the second half.

It was a big win for the young Panthers who are still missing halves Luai and Cleary who will be back in two weeks to play Melbourne.

Magpies Struggle Against CYMS

Season 2021 has gone from bad to worse for Forbes Magpies after a 62-6 touch up at the hands of group powerhouse Dubbo CYMS. In the Magpies defence, it has been an extremely disruptive 18 months and with COVID announcements changing daily it certainly can’t have helped. Forbes reserves fought hard but went down 14-10 while the 18s had a 10-all draw and the Women’s League Tag went to Dubbo 28-4 in another keenly fought contest.

All Stars Smack Parkes Railway Renegades

It was only a matter of time before Forbes All Stars had a win and win they did, trouncing Parkes Railway Renegades 4-0 in Parkes last weekend. A double from Jacob Collitts was the highlight for the Forbes side who dominated from the opening whistle. The win keeps Forbes in the hunt for end of season finals with the last two weeks showing the side may have turned the corner at the right time.

Netballers On The Up After Carnival Performance

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

TEAM BOND: Ava Walsh, Hannah Stanmore, Georgia Cole, Ebonnie Hopely, Kaylar Emery, Lily Boyd, Annie Banks, Laura Scott, Piper Hanrahan, Libby Dallimore Front-Jenny Boyd, Amanda Emery and Robyn Kenny. Pic courtesy of Forbes Netball.

The Forbes Netball Association Under 17 representative team recently competed at the NNSW Hart Senior State Titles in Bankstown before Sydney was impacted by COVID restrictions.

The team was one of the youngest teams playing in the age division, made up of players turning 15 and 16 in 2021, and playing against experienced players who were 17 years old, making the assignment a tough one for Forbes.

The majority of players were representing in the State Championships for the first time, with only two players having any representative experience from younger years.

“The team competed in regional training carnivals in Forbes, Bathurst, Parkes and Dubbo. Unfortunately injuries plagued the team in the later stage of preparation,” coach Robyn Kenny said.

“The first day of the State Championships was a learning curve for the team, with Play-ers Player for day one going to Ava Walsh”. Day two saw the girls lift their playing intensity, with some great netball, and nail biting results. Players Player for day two was Lily Boyd.

Day three was by far the best of the three days, as the team kept improving their positional play, timing and support of each other.

This resulted in another two wins and some very competitive games in the other three games. Players Player for day three was Georgia Cole.

“Overall, this was an outstanding experience from all the preparation and training, then a fantastic weekend for all the girls to build up their friendships. Their team spirit was always at a very high level,” Robyn said.

“The girls were a first-class example of what playing netball is all about – building friendships, sportsmanship, team spirit, taking on challenges and never giving up in any situation. Congratulations to all the players, you were a pleasure to coach”.

7 Day Lockdown For Orange, Blayney And Cabonne

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SEVEN DAY LOCKDOWN: Orange City, Cabonne Shire and Blayney Shire are all in a 7 day lockdown until Wednesday July 28 after a transport worker tested positive to COVID last week.

To protect the people of NSW from the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions will be introduced for the Orange City Council, Blayney Shire Council, and Cabonne Shire Council areas until 12.01am Wednesday July 28.

Following updated health advice will apply to all people who live in these areas, or have been there on or after Saturday July 17.

Everyone in these areas must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason. These include:
• Shopping for food or other essential goods and services;
• Medical care or compassionate needs (people can leave home to have a COVID-19 vaccination unless you have been identified as a close contact);
• Exercise outdoors in groups of 2 or fewer (unless members of the same household);
• Work, or tertiary education, where you cannot work or study from home.
• To attend a wedding or a funeral (but only during the grace period, which ends at 12:01am on Friday 23 July 2021). After this date, funerals will be limited to ten people.
• Schools will remain open, under Level 3 restrictions. All staff and students are still expected to be at school.
• Masks must be worn indoors (not including the home) and in outdoor settings where you cannot socially distance from others (e.g. while queuing for takeaway).
• COVID-19 testing clinics are open at Bathurst, Orange, Parkes, Blayney and Molong.

For more information on rules and restrictions for the Blayney, Cabonne and Orange local government areas visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-regions

News Briefs

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Mice Management Rebate Open
Eligible households and small businesses can now claim cash rebates through Service NSW to help cover the cost of mouse baits, traps and cleaning materials bought after February 1, 2021. Households can claim up to $500 and small businesses up to $1,000. Primary producers who live where they work will be able to claim a single rebate of up to $1,000 to help meet the cost of protecting their premises. Applications will close on 27 September 2021, or when funds near their allocation. To find out if you qualify and to make your claim visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/nsw-mouse-control-rebate or www.nsw.gov.au/mice

Bedgerabong Public’s New Book
Hot off the press! The Year 5 Enviro book authored by Bedgerabong Public School students has arrived and it’s great. The book “Wigglin’ Willy The Compost Worm” is a wonderful combination of poetry and factual content as Willy teaches reader’s about compost worms. It can be checked out via the link below or you can get your very own PDF version. Thanks to the Forbes Youth Action Team for all your support. www.envirostories.com.au/books

McCormack’s Whirlwind Visit
This week Michael McCormack dropped into Forbes to inspect the progress of a number of projects being delivered through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Forbes Shire Council to date has received more than $4.7 million to help boost the local economy and local jobs.

Forbes Jockey Club Gets Make-Over In Time For Showcase

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

GET YOUR TICKETS FAST: Go to www.123tix.com.au/events/19333/forbes-cup-2021 to get your tickets to the Forbes Cup on August 1. Numbers are limited and COVID restrictions will apply. Check the Forbes Jockey Club Facebook page for updates and latest info.

More and more improvements seem to be happening at Forbes Racecourse every week with the Kerry Nicholson Bar and now the Jockey and Stewards rooms getting a makeover. From Forbes Jockey Club volunteers to Shane Sallaway Painting – it’s all hands-on deck in time for the Forbes Cup on August 1.

Since the announcement Forbes Jockey Club August 1 Cup meeting was to be shifted to the Sunday and upgraded to Showcase status, meaning each race carries a minimum of $30,000 prize money, Forbes Jockey Club has been hard at work renovating the facilities in time for the meeting. This has included everything from track and garden maintenance through to the Jockey and Stewards rooms – now one of the best in the country racing.

The Forbes Cup weekend promises to be special despite restrictions. With COVID forcing many events to downsize or post-pone and outbreaks in NSW increasing, tickets however will be extremely limited.

Other highlights of the weekend will include:
• Forbes Cup Calcutta on Saturday July 31 at Club Forbes. Tickets are $40 and COVID restrictions will apply at the venue;
• Forbes Jockey Club has invested an additional $10,000 in prize money on top of what Racing NSW contributes to make the Forbes Cup a $50,000 race;
• Forbes Jockey Club will also host a marquee. Tickets will strictly be limited and at $120 and race goers will have drinks and canapes included;
• Col Hodges, celebrating his 50 years of race-calling, will also be celebrated with a race named in his honour in a real treat for race-lovers and the Hodges family.

For more information on the meeting, or to keep up-to-date with announcements, read-ers are encouraged to follow the Forbes Jockey Club on Facebook. Given the latest COVID developments the event is subject to NSW Health restrictions on the day.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Staines Gets Double In Win For Panthers

Magpies Struggle Against CYMS

All Stars Smack Parkes Railway Renegades

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