Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Platypi Women’s Only Highlight On Tough Day

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

TRY TIME: Forbes Women’s Platypi had a tight draw with Orange Emus 12-all last weekend to remain in finals contention.

It was a tough Saturday at home for the Forbes Platypi Rugby Union club with losses in three men’s grades and only a 12-12 draw with the Orange Emu’s Women’s side the only result to crow about.

Forbes Colts continued their disjointed season marred by a pandemic and a lack of continuity with a disappointing 50-0 loss to the junior Emus. The Colts were never in the hunt and the result continues a slew of blow outs for the young side.

Seconds were marginally better but were fleeced to the tune of 36-7 by a dynamic Emu’s side that bullied the Platypi from the opening whistle and put pay to any chance they may have of finals football. Firsts couldn’t repeat their previous heroics going down 38-19 and slipping down to fourth on the Central West Blowes Menswear ladder behind Bathurst. They now sit on six wins, six losses and +6 points difference.

In the Women’s it was a tit-for-tat end-to-end battle with neither side being able to gain any real ascendency and the points shared in a thrilling 12-all draw and what must surely be a precursor to the finals later in the season.

Forbes won’t play again until they face Orange City in Forbes on July 24 in a must-win for all grades if they are to play semi-final football. A loss for Firsts and Dubbo may be clipping at their heals for fourth spot. A win, and a home semi-final beckons against Bathurst, potentially.

Orange Emus remain in first place on 47 points after the weekend’s win over Forbes while Cowra (43) and Bathurst (36) are second and third respectively as we approach the nitty gritty end of the season in the Central West Blowes Menswear competition.

Tough Scoring In Saturday Comp

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Saturday’s Men’s golf comp was an 18-hole Stroke sponsored by the B&M Tooth. A field of 67 players traversed heavy conditions making for tough scoring. There were not too many scores that bettered par on either scratch or nett.

Division 1 was won by Laurie O’Connor with a 71 nett, even though he had a double bogey on the last hole. Runner-up on count back was Jonathon Morell with 75 nett, who snuck past Barry Parker.

The Division 2 scores were closer with Robert Scott managing a par on the last to finish with 70 nett, one ahead of Isaac Vale on 71 nett who bogeyed the last.

The ball sweep went to 78 nett on count back, so please check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to: 9th – A Dukes, 18th – B Thomas. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Brad Ashton, who was still quite a way from the hole. There were no visitors.

The Sunday Stableford Medley saw quite a few players out enjoying sunnier conditions, although it was still heavy underfoot ensuring scores were quite unremarkable again.

The winner was Andrew Quirk with 30 points, and quite a variable day. Runner-up was Ethel Coombs on 29 points, on count back from Rob Elsom, a visitor from Wynnum GC in Qld.

Your names should already be in for the LVDGA Mixed 4B Champs at West Wyalong (18 July), but late entries may possibly be taken.

Saturday 17 July is a 2-Person Ambrose Medley sponsored by Brine Cure. Sunday 18 July has a Stableford Medley at home, with the LVDGA event at West Wyalong.

By Short Putt

Forbes Plainsman Hotel One Of Many Cutting Energy Costs

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Hotels across the Central West are receiving support from the Federal Government to cut their energy costs so they can invest in their business and employ more Australians.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Riverina and Central West hotels, motels and serviced apartment complexes with up to 99 rooms were eligible for funding including The Plainsman in Forbes to the tune of $25,000 in air-conditioning up-dates.

“I am pleased to announce that 15 businesses have shared in more than $340,000 as part of the $10.2 million Hotel Energy Up-lift Program,” Mr McCormack said.

“When I called each recipient to let them know of their successful application, they all expressed what a difference this funding would make to their business. “From the Ariah Park Hotel installing LED lighting, new refrigeration, reverse cycling air-conditioning and a gas hot water system, to the Wagga Wagga Quest Apartments putting in split system air-conditioning, to the Federation Hotel in Parkes installing double-glazed windows and reverse-cycle air-conditioners – this program is making a real difference.”

More than 85 per cent of the grants were awarded to hotels in regional or remote communities. The Hotel Energy Uplift Pro-gram was announced in the 2020-21 Budget and is part of the Government’s $1.9 billion investment in new energy technologies which will create new jobs now and into the future, reduce emissions and ensure all Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy.

Further information about the program can be found at https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/hotel-energy-uplift-program

Big Test Looms For Charlie And Company

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

This Sunday July 18 against a desperate New Zealand Warriors looms as a danger game for Forbes Magpies junior Charlie Staines and his Penrith Panthers who have been forced to move to the Sunshine Coast bubble after NSW deals with another COVID outbreak.

Coming off a thrilling 13-12 win against a bold Parramatta Eels last round, Penrith will be forced to do it without a number of Origin stars including halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai. Yet Penrith seem to relish these challenges.

In a 12-10 win over the Storm nearly three months ago and again two weeks ago against the Eels, Penrith got the job done without Cleary and against the Eels without Luai and Edwards as well. It is the kind of luxury of depth most teams can only dream about but it means nothing come Sunday for Charlie and company if they can’t hold out a Warriors team running out of time to make a September run.

The following week sees Penrith take on Brisbane before a mouthwatering rematch with Melbourne on July 31 in Melbourne in a game where Cleary, Luai and co are expected to return.

Changes At Schools For Term 3

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

With school returning this week for Term 3, “strict COVID safe restrictions” will be in place according to the NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell. These will include wearing masks for pick-ups and drop-offs, hygiene measures and social distancing.

Mitchell earlier this week said that based on the latest health advice from NSW Health, that masks will be “recommended” for staff and students from Year 7 up for the first week of Term 3.

Before the start of term, Forbes Public School posted online that common sense approaches and standard health orders apply such as hygiene, social-distancing and mask-wearing requirements for school runs.

“Staff will be welcoming students with seniors on standby to assist junior students through the school to their classrooms if needed,” the statement read.

Ms Mitchell reaffirmed what NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian stated over a week ago when she said regional towns like Forbes would also be under COVID restrictions but that face-to-face learning could continue in regional communities provided public health orders are followed.

Parents are encouraged to speak to their school should they have any questions. As a result the restrictions will be in place until at least 11.59pm tonight Friday, July 16.

Mayoral Notes

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

It looks like we will be in the current Cov-id-19 restrictions for a while longer with the numbers still quite high in the State. Thanks again to all of you who are trying really hard to abide by these rules.

I met with the NSW Health Minister, Brad Hazzard this week regarding our request for a new operating theatre for the Forbes hospital. We saved the NSW Government $20-$30 million dollars when we built our hospital, we chose to have the old hospital converted to house the Ambulatory services. Here we are looking for a couple of million dollars to build a new operating facility. This is such an important asset for our community, we will not accept a renovation to the existing one! I have made this very clear to the minister and I wait to hear the Health Department’s response.

Can I remind everyone to put your pets on a leash whilst in a public space. Also please pick up after your dogs. We are giving pet owners free bags. Just pop into reception at Town Hall and ask for one.

Council Elections are fast approaching and the deadline for nominations is Wednesday 4th August 2021. There will be an information session 6pm 28th July at Council Chambers if you would like more information on what is required to be a Councillor. Contact Council on 6850 2300 if you would like to attend.

Till next week. God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

McCormack Welcomes Royal Commission Into Defence And Veteran Suicide

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

ROYAL COMMISSION ESTABLISHED: A Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide has been established to address concerns over suicide rates among our veterans.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has welcomed the Federal Government’s formal establishment of a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide to be led by former New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Mr Nick Kaldas APM.

“Sadly, the Riverina and Central West, as with all communities and regions throughout Australia, has been affected by suicides among Australian Defence Force members and veterans, so this development is a good outcome,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack praised the work of former Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester, who led consultation on the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission, assisted by the Attorney-General, Senator Michaelia Cash.

More than 3000 pieces of feedback were received during the consultation period between 19 April 2021 and 21 May. “I think this large number of submissions reflects the community’s intense interest in this most important issue,” Mr McCormack said.

“We owe a debt to those who have served or who are serving our nation in the defence forces to find why there is this unacceptably high rate of self-harm and to put in place measures to reduce the risks.” Mr McCormack said Mr Kaldas was a good choice as Royal Commissioner. As NSW Police Deputy Commissioner, Mr Kaldas commanded about 14,000 staff and a budget of more than $2 billion.

Further information on the Royal Commission, including how to make a submission – https://defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au. The Royal Commission is due to provide an interim report on 11 August 2022 and a final report on 15 June 2023.

NSW COVID Drama Deepens

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said this week that the lockdown pain is set to continue until the number of COVID cases in the state is “close to zero”.

The number of COVID cases has steadily climbed throughout the past week from single figures the first week of July to 112 locally acquired infections in NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday July 11. A third of those were still active in the community.

Despite well over 100,000 tested in NSW in the past week at the time of publication, a multi-media advertising blitz, multiple testing sites, numerous vaccine centres, a plethora of online information and a strong emergency services presence, it seems many are still not getting the message. The Premier was at pains to get the edict across.

“If you have symptoms, your first stop should be a COVID test, and stay home until you get a result”.

She said in the coming weeks, NSW will have mass vaccination hubs across many regions – expanding the ability for people to access the vaccine.

“Overwhelmingly, we don’t want people to leave home unless they absolutely have to,” she said.

Snippets

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

WOODFIRED EUGOWRA: Woodfired Eugowra will go ahead with COVID restrictions on August 7.

Woodfired Eugowra Saturday August 7: Will you be heading to Woodfired Eugowra this year? At this stage we are still plan-ning to run this fantastic event on Saturday 7th August 10am – 5pm, following COVID guidelines at the time. Along with the cooking competitions and demonstrations, there will be market stalls, food vans, live music and free entertainment for the kids, like face painting! Book your tickets now! https://www.123tix.com.au/events/18448/woodfired-eugowra See you there!

Anything Goes Exhibition runs to 29 July: The rules are out the window for the mid-year members’ exhibition at the Platy-pus Gallery. The ‘Anything Goes’ exhibition opened at the Platypus Gallery last week, showcasing a diverse collection of artworks from Forbes Arts Society members. Forbes Arts Society Chair, Dr Karen Ritchie said, “Anything Goes is exactly what it implies. Without boundaries or restrictions, our members have the opportunity of creating work in any style, mediums or size of their choosing.”

“When it comes to art, creativity is limitless.” The ‘Anything Goes’ exhibition will run until Thursday 29 July 2021. All art-works will be available for purchase. The Platypus Gallery opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10am until 2pm and Saturdays, 9am until 1pm. In line with the current public health order, visitors are reminded to please check in using the QR code and wear a mask. For more information, visit www.forbesartssociety.com or follow the Platypus Gallery on Facebook and Instagram.

Waste Wednesday – Time to clean out the Garage! The next Bulky waste collection drive will be conducted the week of the 3rd – 7th August 2021. You can put your bulky waste out the weekend before for collection. The Contractor and Council have the right to reject any items that they consider unacceptable. For further information on what is acceptable or unacceptable visit Forbes Shire Council website https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/residents/waste-and-recycling/collection or phone our Waste & Environmental Specialist on 6850 2300.

Congrats to Topsoil Organics: Big congrats are in order for Topsoil Organics who have been announced as the major winner in the Regional Job Creation fund set up to create future job opportunities in Forbes!

Grazing already sold out! Grazing Down The Lachlan 2021 has sold out in 2 hours! There’s still a limited number of tickets available to Sundowners by the Lake if you fancy being part of the Grazing weekend fun. View the full program of events here: https://bit.ly/3wpM1qu

SOLD OUT: Grazing Down The Lachlan 2021 sold out in a record time of just two hours in a real boost for the event and the Forbes community.

Be Seen

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

B AND B: Brushes and Bubbles was a massive hit among Forbes children during the July school holiday period.

CLAY KEY CHAIN FUN: Despite COVID restrictions in the school holidays, some activities still went ahead including Key Chain making.

OUTSTANDING ORG FINALIST: Forbes PreSchool has been nominated for a prestigious HESTA award for Outstanding Organisation.

FUNDING BOOST: Topsoil Organics has been announced as a major winner in the Regional Job Creation fund which is set to create future opportunities and industry in Forbes and turbo-charge their expansion and most importantly, jobs for our locals.

FUN AND GAMES: A watered down, COVID friendly school holiday program ran across Forbes through the winter break.

STORM AND WATER TRAINING: Last week units across the region joined with Forbes members to take part in four days of Storm & Water training. Members spent days 1-3 learning about what to expect during storm and water damage operations, tools and equipment, ropes and knots, temporary repairs and working at heights.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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