Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Upgrade For Hughie Wilson Oval

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway

Hughie Wilson Oval will get much needed upgraded amenities after getting a $390,000 grant.

In a real boost for local sports clubs and groups, the latest funding will ensure the facility remains a well-used and valued asset within the community.

NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the funding is being provided by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment from its Crown Land Manager Recovery Support Program.

“This $390,000 is terrific for Forbes as it will pave the way for a great new local asset that can support numerous sporting, recreation and leisure activities,” Mr Farraway said.

“Hughie Wilson Oval is used by the Forbes Rugby League Club and the Forbes Mag-pies Junior Rugby League Club,” he said.

“This funding will allow for the construction of a brand-new amenities building with change rooms to replace a portable building that has reached the end of its life and is failing to meet community needs and expectations.”

Mr Farraway said the new amenities block will provide a modern facility built to national standards that can support growth in all sporting codes that use Hughie Wilson Oval and Spooner Oval.

“The oval is also open to the general public for fitness training, community sporting and social events, and has playground equipment installed for families,” said Sam.

“The amenities building will enhance recreational facilities for community use and enjoyment and improve health and safety on Hughie Wilson Oval,” he said.

“This will address concerns that have been raised by community organisations about inadequate infrastructure at the popular Crown land reserve, which is managed by Forbes Shire Council.”

Snippets

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Telstra 5G Now In Forbes: Telstra 5G coverage is now available in Forbes and Cobar, with Telstra recently switching on 5G services as part of a national rollout of the next generation of mobile technology.

The recent 5G network upgrade will also deliver improved 4G capacity and speeds in the local area. More than 60 percent of Australia’s population now lives in Telstra’s 5G footprint and Telstra has made a commitment to roll out its 5G network to 75 percent of the population by the end of June.

More information on Telstra’s 5G coverage or devices available to use this new technology is available at Telstra stores or online at www.telstra.com.au/.

Telstra’s 5G coverage maps in this location and nationally are available at telstra.com/coverage-networks/our-coverage.

Survey For Central West Farmers: Check your mailbox! That’s the message to more than 2000 landholders across Central West NSW who’ve been specially selected to take part in a survey about land and farm management practices. Led by Southern Cross University, the Soil CRC Australian Farmer Survey project aims to understand what land and farm management practices farmers undertake, and why they choose the farming methods they do. The project also aims to provide sound information on the challenges facing farmers and their aspirations for the future. For more information about participating in the survey, contact Dr Hanabeth Luke at hanabeth.luke@scu.edu.au, or call 1800 317 503

Lions Recycle For Sight: Do you have any unused eyeglasses or sunglasses which are in good condition? These can be Recycled by giving them to the Lions Club as part of their Recycle For Sight program. This will be running during the month of June. The glasses can be dropped into the collection boxes at Eyewear Specs or Phillip Wells Optometrist in Forbes. Please do not leave the cases as these cannot be recycled. The glasses are then forwarded to a recycling centre in Brisbane for cleaning and grading.

Funding Now Available For Veterans’ Health Week 2021: Veterans and their families in the Riverina and Central West are being encouraged to increase their physical activity, with $200,000 in funding available nationally to assist community groups and ex-service organisations with planning and hosting Veterans’ Health Week events in October. The theme for Veterans’ Health Week will be – Get Moving. Veterans’ Health Week will be held from Saturday, 16 to Sunday, 24 October.

Mobile Service Centre Provides Access To Federal Government Services: Mccormack: The Mobile Service Centre Desert Rose travelling through the Central West to provide support to rural and regional communities will be in Forbes next week. Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Desert Rose would be parked adjacent to Victoria Park on Wednesday, 7 July, and Thursday, 8 July, between 9am and 4pm. Mobile Service Centres provide customers assistance with essential government services including Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services.

Load Restraint Village Tour A Success: More than 100 local farmers attended the recent load restraint village tour sessions in 12 locations across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas. The practical load restraint information sessions featured displays, case studies, how-to videos and presentations from NSW Police, Transport for NSW Heavy Vehicle Inspectors, Safework NSW and NSW Health’s Rural Mental Health Adversity Program. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the sessions were part of the Councils’ current ‘Load Restraint Education Project’ which is targeting the safe transportation of hay bales, machinery and general freight. “We held sessions from Bedgerebong to Tottenham, with good numbers at most of the sessions,” Ms Suitor said. The sessions covered load restraint fundamentals, legal requirements, penalties, case studies and tips for getting it right.

Gooly Hall Gets Funding: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke recently awarded Gooloogong’s Memorial Hall a $23,882 grant from the CRIF program to paint the interior and exterior of the hall in a real win for the community.

23,000 REASONS TO SMILE: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke with Gooloogong Memorial Hall members at the announcement of the funding.

Back To Back For Shead Nico

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

ANYONE’S BALL: Players from Shead Nico and Howies battle it out for the loose ball in last week’s women’s basketball grand final.

It was the two dream grand finals everyone wanted and that’s exactly what they got when Shead Nicholson took on Howies in the Women’s and Misfits looked to defend their title against Flint Tropics.

Howies started well, as they usually do, with Shorty Howard leading all scorers at the half with eight points as Howies dashed to a 16-4 lead with halftime approaching.

Despite having no subs Howies hustled and shot well, making life hard for Shead Nico.

It didn’t take long though for the champs to find their rhythm and by the half had gone on a 16-0 run to lead 20-16.

The second half was always going to be tough for Howies with no reserves and soon the premiers got to work as the lead soon became double digits with time expiring.

As Michelle Bentick and Maggie Townsend led the fightback for the champions scoring all 11 points for their side to begin the second half. Bentick would go on and finish with 18 in the 45-29 win while Maggie Townsend was named MVP of the Grand Final, with 12 points of her own and some great work in defence forcing a number of turnovers.

Howies meanwhile were without defensive player of the year and regular season MVP Monique Pointon, and women’s team of the year player Kristy Butler which proved pivotal.

For the premiers Shead Nico who have secured back to back season premierships, it certainly was a team effort with Michelle Bentick, Amy, April and Maggie Townsend especially strong and supported well by Candice Morrison, Nicole Westwood and Courtney Hodge.

In the Men’s, Flint Tropics finished undefeated after a 43-15 win over defending champs Misfits. Justin Hoy led all scorers in the game with 18 points, whilst Jono Morell contributed 16 himself and was named MVP of the grand final.

Joyce Replaces McCormack As Nats Leader

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Deputy Prime Minister – Barnaby Joyce

It’s back to the future for the National Party as Barnaby Joyce’s second (and successful) leadership spill in 15 months resulted in the former leader regaining his position as head of the party last week over Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack. He was sworn in as Deputy PM with David Little-proud retaining his place as deputy leader of the Nationals.

The spill comes after members of the junior coalition partner began to panic that they may lose seats at the next federal election. McCormack, is one of parliament’s hardest working and well-respected members, and had vowed to fight for his position but soon it had become obvious Joyce had the numbers.

Joyce, the Member for New England has a big role to fill. His party is fractured and voters still remember why he was consigned to the back bench three years ago. How he unites the party is anyone’s guess. McCormack meanwhile was gracious in defeat.

“Thank you to the people of the Riverina and Central West who have sent me to Canberra on four occasions to represent them and their interests in the Australian Parliament,” the statement read.

“The residents of the electorate – as al-ways – will remain my focus as I look to the future as the Member for Riverina. I am proud of what I have achieved for regional Australians and the Riverina and Central West as the Member for Riverina, Deputy Prime Minister and The Nationals’ Leader.”

What this latest move does to public perception remains to be seen – you can bet though, that voters are not as forgetful as the party room appears to be.

Big Boost For Forbes Jockey Club

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

In a major win, the Forbes Jockey Club August 1 Cup meeting has been shifted to a Sunday and upgraded to Showcase status, meaning each race carries a minimum of $30,000 prizemoney in a massive win for country racing.

The Forbes Jockey Club has also invested an additional $10,000 in prize money on top of what Racing NSW contributes to make the Forbes Cup a $50,000 race – and one of the flagship events on the racing calendar, if it wasn’t already.

According to NSW Country Racing’s Jeff Hansen, the increase in prize money will certainly attract trainers, but the Forbes Jockey Club is also doing their part to entertain a potentially huge crowd.

Last year was meant to be the 25th year partnership with Bankstown Sports Club, but due to COVID restrictions across the country they were unable to attend.

Instead, this year the club is celebrating 25 years at the races with Bankstown Sports.

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.

The Forbes Cup Calcutta will be held on the evening of Saturday July 31 at one of their regular sponsors, Club Forbes and tickets are $40. Covid restrictions will be in place within the venue.

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, readers are encouraged to follow the Forbes Jockey Club on Facebook.

Originally published – Major prize money boost for Forbes Cup – NSW Country and Picnic Racing

Foursomes Champions Decided

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SHARPENING UP: Stephen Uphill sharpening up on the greens at Forbes Golf Club before his round.

The Men’s Foursomes Champs were held in conjunction with a Daily Comp sponsored by FINDEX (Forbes), in chilly and soft conditions throughout the weekend.

In the Men’s Foursomes Championships, played over 36 holes, the Scratch Champions were the pairing of John Betland and Andrew Dukes with a total of 157. Runners-up were Todd Callaghan and Shane Sallaway on 158. The Handicap Champions were Ben Robinson and Matt Roylance (140 nett) with room to spare to Runners-up Josh Coulthurst and Jacob Bernardi (145 nett).

The Daily Comp was run over two days, with prizes on each. On Day 1 the Scratch winners were C Hanrahan/H Callaghan on count back from D Bayley/P Dawson, both on 79. In the Handicap the winners were B Robinson/M Roylance with 67 nett, ahead of I Bown/A Grierson on 71 nett.

In the Day 2 comp the Scratch winners were J Betland/A Dukes (76) ahead of T Callaghan/S Sallaway. In the Handicap the winners were J Bernardi/J Coulthurst (69 nett) ahead of B Robinson/M Roylance (72 nett).

There was no Sunday Stableford Medley participants.

The Ladies played their Foursomes on Saturday, over 27-holes. The Scratch Winners were K Stirling/H Davidson (142) ahead of B Duncan/C Duncan (150). The Handicap winners were K Stirling/H Davidson (115 ¾ nett) ahead of S Crosby/R Carroll (121 ½ nett).

A reminder for Club members to check that they have cleared their Pro Shop account – hopefully it is not too late. Also a reminder for Forbes Vets players to pay their 2021-22 fees to Lynnie Roberts.

By Short Putt

Tickets On Sale – Agribusiness Today Forum Returns In 2021

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Agribusiness Today Forum will return in 2021 with the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel set to host the major event on Wednesday, 4 August. The theme for the 2021 forum is ‘Mixed Farming Enterprises – Adapting to a Changing Climate’.

The forum will be followed by a local field visit on Thursday, 5 August in collaboration with HE Silos, Austasia Animal Products, Advanced Animal Nutrition and AusWest Seeds. For more than 25 years the Agribusiness Today Forum has brought together expert speakers to give an insight into domestic and international market trends.

The forum is expected to attract 200 delegates to Forbes who will be addressed by a number of high calibre speakers including representatives from Rabobank, Department of Primary Industries, Endeavour Meats, HE Silos, Lachlan Commodities, University of the Sunshine Coast, Charles Sturt University, Central West Local Land Services, AWI Sheep Connect NSW, Meat and Livestock Australia and NBN.

To learn more about the two-day event and to purchase tickets, visit the Agribusiness Today Forum website at www.agribusinesstodayforum.com COVID-19 restrictions apply and measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of all participants

Dominos Sports Brief

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Jungle Deuce Wins SOO Clash

Locally-trained track star Jungle Deuce has continued a stellar run this month, winning last Thursday’s State Of Origin shoot-out at Albion Park.
Jungle Deuce served as the anchor of the NSW team after being selected for the match race.
Raymond Smith’s star finished with 29.61 making it 13 from 19.
Jungle Deuce’s win is not the only star in the Smith’s Irinka Kennels with three of their dogs, Miss Ezmae, Midnight Flash and Dip It In claiming a winning treble at Wentworth Park last Saturday.

Congrats Junior Rugby Stars

The NSW Rugby Champs were held recently and Forbes was represented by Jai Wheeldon, Lachlan Rice and George Field in the Under 13s. Zac Fraser, Oliver Walker and Patrick Ryan played in the Under 14s squad while Thompson Hurford, Teddy Mundy, Lachlan Wallace and Leroy McNamara played in the Under 12s.
Oliver Walker, Patrick Ryan and Zac Fraser represented Forbes in the Under 14s while Georgie Duncan and James Bur-ton played in the Central West Rugby Under 15s squad.
The Under 12s placed sixth, the Under 13s came in thirteenth place, the Under 14s came in tenth and the Under 15s came in twelfth.

Pony Club Hosts Big Weekend

Some 38 competitors from around the region competed at the annual Charlie O’Connor Showjumping and dressage weekend at Forbes Pony Club.
Riders came from across the state for the event with the highlight the John Stew-art Memorial Barrel Race, named for Pony Club member John Stewart who rode in the 1970’s and early 1980’s on a horse called King, owned by Charlie O’Connor, the namesake of the weekend.

Snippets…

June 25, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

FROST AND FIRE 2021: The second edition of Frost and Fire went off without a hitch at the Ski Dam over the weekend.

Frost And Fire A Hit: It may have come on the back of a COVID scare but Frost and Fire went off without a hitch last Saturday night June 19 at the Ski Dam. From local band Fog Pilots to Jebediah frontman and solo artist Bob Evans, tickets were sold out well in advance for the family friendly event.
There was a bonfire, hot food and an array of entertainers ensuring that the flagship event was an outstanding success. Bring on 2022!

Garden Club Update: Our Garden Club were invited to hold a stall at the Forbes Riverside & Community Gardens on the 29th May and received runner up in the scarecrow competition. Big thanks must go to Ann Reade, Meg Scholefield and Annette Thornton who were responsible for the creation whilst Pammie Thomson painted the face and all stall volunteers. Our Garden Club Executive always gives us something to look forward to and have partnered with Landcare on the weekend of the 24th October. Also in the spring we are taking a trip to Mayfield Gardens with dates and numbers to be. Our raffle at the May meeting was won by Margaret Wilson with Doddy Englert second.
We have recently decided to again donate some monies to charities which was decided by members votes. Charities who are recipients are Boys to the Bush, North-side Chapel, Can Assist, CWA, Red Cross, Care Flight, Far West and Guide Dogs. Happy Gardening.
By Sweet Pea

COVID Latest: No COVID-19 community transmission has been detected at the end of the critical 14-day period since two people later diagnosed with the virus passed through the Western NSW Local Health District.
“This is welcome news for our communities and I particularly want to thank the people of Coonabarabran, Dubbo, Forbes and Parkes for their incredible response to what was a worrying situation, said WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan.
“It was heartening to see our communities respond in such large numbers, with more than 3,000 tests conducted in a short period of time. Not one positive test result means we can be relatively confident that COVID-19 is contained.”
The Western NSW Local Health District currently has no confirmed cases of COVID-19. For information on where testing is available in NSW go to www.nsw.gov.au For information on COVID-19 vaccination go to www.healthdirect.gov.au

NO CONFIRMED CASES AS OF JUNE 22: Forbes and the region have had no confirmed COVID cases according to WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan.

Dominos Sports Brief

June 25, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Hoop Dreams Realised For Flints And Shead Nicho

The Forbes Basketball Association grand finals have been played with Shead and Nicho coming from behind to beat Howies in the Women’s and make it back-to-back titles. In what can only be described as a sterling team effort, the girls had to claw from a handy deficit to take down their arch-rivals.
In the Men’s, Flint Tropics grounded out a tough victory over defending champs Misfits in a low scoring affair dominated by defence. Led by Justin Hoy, Flint Tropics made the plays that mattered when they mattered and the defending champs had no answers. Not only did Flint Tropics take the crown but they did so without dropping a game all season – well done!

Forbes Swampies Junior AFL Update

The Forbes/Orange Under 12’s went down to competition frontrunners the Dubbo Demons in the CWJAFL competition on Sunday. The Swamp Tigers were well in the contest until the 3rd quarter when the Demons rose up and scored 6 goals. The Swamp Tigers tried hard in the last quarter but couldn’t close the gap. The final score being 1.1-7 to 0.3-3 to Dubbo. The loss leaves the Swamp Tigers still in third while best on ground were Zain Clarke and Jackson Beaudin. The CWJAFL is now on a school holiday break and will starts again on July 18. A reminder to everyone that Auskick will commence after the school holidays on Friday July 16 at 4pm at Gag-gin Oval.

All Stars Lose Close One

Forbes All Stars lost a tight tussle 2-1 to Parkes Wanderers last weekend at Harrison Park in Parkes. Despite the gallant effort, the All Stars remain stuck near the bottom of the ladder looking to break their duck in 2021.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Jungle Deuce Wins SOO Clash

Congrats Junior Rugby Stars

Pony Club Hosts Big Weekend

Hoop Dreams Realised For Flints And Shead Nicho

Forbes Swampies Junior AFL Update

All Stars Lose Close One

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