Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Bravo Charlie As Panthers Throttle Hapless Dogs

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Charlie Staines aka the Forbes Ferrari and ladder-leading Penrith Panthers made it 12 on the bounce heading into Origin with a comprehensive 30-4 win over last-placed Canterbury Bulldogs last weekend.

Penrith must now get past a rejuvenated Wests Tigers side while missing up to seven players this week if they are to notch consecutive win number 13. The record to start a season is the 1995 Manly side.

Staines, who scored a double with plenty of time on the clock nearly sent the local Post Office Hotel broke having amassed a strike rate that includes as many tries as he has played first grade games for the mountain men. Local publican Matt Coleman may have to swap free schooners for handshakes if Staines continues in this vein.

Staines first appeared on the Panthers radar as part of the club’s junior development programs in Central West NSW and joined the club’s SG Ball squad in 2018. The following year he made his senior debut in the Canterbury Cup competition and was named NSWRL Jersey Flegg Player of the Year. In 2020 Staines scored four tries on NRL debut against the Sharks and signed a contract extension to commit to Panthers until the end of 2023.

The Forbes Ferrari has now scored 16 tries in just 14 appearances in the top grade for the Panthers and shows no signs of slowing down. Will it be lucky number 13 for Staines and the Panthers this weekend against the Tigers without seven Origin stars? So long as Penrith have the Forbes Ferrari of course they can!

Croquet Getting Competitive As Rare First Set

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

We only had 22 players for a very chilly start on Saturday 29th to end up a very pleasant morning.
I think for the first time we had no players win three games as competition gets more competitive.

The big winners were:
• 14-9 Elvy Quirk, Colleen Liebich, Lorraine Todd and Merv Langfield
• 14-10 John Browne, Neville Spry, Doreen Rogers , Barry White, Kevin Rubie and John MacCullagh.

Close games were:
• Lyn Simmonds and John Allegri 14 Barry White and Tony Thomson 12
• Merv Langfield and John Job 14 Kevin Rubie and John MacCullagh 12
• John Farah and Bob Murray 14 Ray Burridge 12
• Ray Burridge and Geoff Coles 14 Lyn Simmonds and Harley Stewart 12
• Lorraine Todd and John MacCullagh 14 Barry White and Ray Burridge 12
• Ann Stewart and Tony Thomson 14 John Farsh and Jeff Liebich 11
• Elvy Quirk and Bob Murry 14 John Allegri and John Browne 11
• John Farah 14 Ann Stewart 11
• Colleen Liebich and Neville Spry 14 Elvy Quirk and John Allegri 11
• John Browne and Tony Thomson 14 Bob Murry and Harley Stewart 11

By Pegging Out

Netballers Busy Spring Program

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

With the Netball Autumn Comp wrapping up, dates for the Spring night competitions for juniors, mixed and ladies teams have been released. Nominations for teams close at the August meeting on Thursday August 19 while first grading games are Wednesday August 25 and second grading games are September 1.

Round one of the night competitions is September 8 while the last round of the competitions will be November 24 with finals on December 1.

Games will be played at 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm, as is inline with previous competitions and there will be no competition played during the school holidays.

The Junior Mixed Spring competition will be played at 5 pm and 6 pm each Wednesday night. Registration for players is $100 and this is free if you use the Active Kids Voucher. Ages for the junior mixed competition is from 8 years to 15 years.

The committee will be available for registration help and completed friends forms on Wednesday night August 18 at 5 pm till 6:30 pm. Players will be placed into teams, and everyone can choose a friend to play within their team.

Mayoral Notes

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

We received some wonderful news this week, the Federal Government have granted us $4 million for further development at the Central West Industrial Park. The money will go towards the drainage and road works required to open up more industrial land.

I really want to thank Michael Mc Cormack and Minister Nola Marino for looking after Forbes in this funding round.

You would have heard the excitement on social media regarding work has now started out at the old Lachlan Vintage Village site to convert this into our new Tourism Information Centre. The site is in an ideal location adjacent the Newell Highway and on the way to some of Forbes Shire’s stunning sculptures.

The adjacent road leading to the facility will be widened and upgraded to include safer access and drainage, a car park and turning bay for large vehicles and caravans. Works will be completed by December 2021 and opening as a visitor information centre shortly afterwards.

The paving work is nearly coming to an end in Templar Street and I want to thank all of our wonderful businesses for their patience in getting this work done. It really will look amazing when it is all complete. Thank you too Dooley Outdoors for their excellent work and communicating with our businesses in Templar Street. Once the paving is complete we will be moving in to place street furniture and landscaping.

Till next week. God Bless.

Platypi Upstage Emus In Thriller

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

BUILDING NICELY: After a sluggish start to the Central West Blowes Menswear Rugby premiership, the Forbes Platypi find themselves in outright second on 23 ppoints, two clear of Cowra and three ahead of Bathurst as they face last placed Orange City tomorrow.

It’s been the game everyone circles in their calendars for a while and for good reason. Every time the Forbes Platypi XV play the Orange Emus it always produces theatre and drama and Saturday was no different as Forbes defeated Orange Emus 30-24 in Forbes.

In front of a packed and parochial Forbes crowd, the Platypi threw out the form guide to lock in second spot on the ladder in front of a gridlock of teams lead by Cowra in a see-sawing affair.

The Platypi had lost earlier in the season to the Emus and were hoping to gain some revenge at home against this season’s high flyers as well as steady the ship after a month of mixed results. They didn’t disappoint as this classic rivalry between former grand final combatants saw both sides trade tries and the lead.

Tries to Charlie French, Mahe Fangupo, Steven Dinham and Minit Tonga along with some outstanding kicking from stand off Daniel Sweeney were enough to keep the Angus Roberts lead side at bay. Roberts was in everything for the Emu’s scoring an early try, kicking conversions and rallying the troops. Oscar Hunt also stood tall for the visitors in another for the scrapbook.

Next week Forbes travel to Orange to play bottom placed City who recently have begun to improve. The Platypi will need to be at their best regardless if they are to stay in the hunt for the semi finals and another tilt at the Central West Blowes Menswear title.

Captain Kirk As Betland Proves Best Again

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

BIRDIE PUTT: Harry Callaghan jags a birdie as Neil McMillan watches on. Harry’s wizardry around the greens shaved shots off his score.

The weekend produced sunny weather and success for Scott Kirkman in the Men’s Saturday Individual Stroke comp, and for Steve Betland in the Condobolin Open on Sunday.

On Saturday, Scott Kirkman took the Division 1 with a nett 68, comfortably ahead of Runner-up Greg Webb who finished on nett 71. Scott was ‘Mister Consistency’ with 39-39 for his halves. Greg was steady but had some untimely double-bogeys.

The Division 2 required a count back to decide the winner, with Mark Simmonds and Jon Cutler both finishing on 69 nett.

The Stableford Medley on Sunday win-ner was Mark Henderson (Kerang) with 32 points ahead of Ethel Coombs (31).

Sunday saw a big group pf Forbes Men’s and Ladies players attending the Condobolin Open. The field of 185 meant for a long day for many golfers.

The Open Winner was Steven Betland, by count back from John Betland when both finished on 71 Scratch. This followed Steve’s success in the West Wyalong Open last weekend.

Other Forbes prize winners were: Harry Callaghan – B-Grade Scratch (78 on c/b); Jordan Brett – B-Grade Handicap Winner (78 nett); Blair Thomas – Junior Scratch (103); Josh Wood – Junior Handicap (83 nett); Nicole Death – Ladies Division 2 Scratch; Lindy Cowhan – Ladies Division 2 Long Drive.

This was the last round in the ‘Trilogy of Golf’, with Forbes players successful in this inaugural event. Steve Betland took the Scratch Cumulative (215) and Greg Webb won the Handicap Cumulative (214 nett).

This weekend has an 18-Hole Stroke Monthly Medal event, sponsored by BWR Accountants & Advisors. On Sunday there is a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Committing To Quit On World No Tobacco Day

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) was on May 31, with Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) encouraging smokers to ‘Commit to Quit’ as part of a World Health Organisation (WHO) a year-long global campaign.

Tobacco smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Australia. In WNSWLHD, 12.4% of the population smoke tobacco daily, compared with the NSW state average of 11.2%. Smoking puts people at an increased risk of severe complications and death from COVID-19, and is a major risk factor for diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes.

The WHO has released a list of ‘More than 100 reasons to quit tobacco’ which includes; tobacco’s negative impacts on physical appearance, the risk of second hand smoke to family and friends and negatively affects every organ of the body among others.

WNSWLHD, District Smoking Cessation Coordinator, Nakarri Ferguson, said, “The benefits of quitting smoking are felt almost immediately. Within six hours, your heart rate slows and your blood pressure becomes more stable. Lung function improves within two to twelve weeks, coughing and shortness of breath decreases in one to nine months and your risk of stroke, cancer, and coronary heart disease continues to decrease the longer you don’t smoke”.

“The 2021 WNTD theme encourages smokers to make the pledge to ‘Commit to Quit.’ If you are a smoker and need help to make a quit attempt support is available. You can discuss quitting smoking with your General Practitioner, Aboriginal Medical Service or call the Quitline on 137 848 (13 QUIT)”, Ms Ferguson said.

For support to quit smoking call the Quit-line on 13 78 48, or visit www.icanquit.com.au

Jobs Boost For Forbes With $4 Million Project

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

DEVELOPING FORBES: Forbes Central West Business Park is nearing closer to completion.

The Federal Government has committed almost $4 million to help deliver a Central West Industrial Park at Forbes, to strengthen economic growth and drive the region’s recovery from COVID-19. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Riverina MP Michael McCormack said the project formed part of the Australian Government’s commitment to jobs and economic diversification.

“This investment will go towards Part 1 of Stage 2 of the Central West Industrial Park in Forbes,” Mr McCormack said.

“When Stage 2 is complete, the development will create opportunities for new local businesses and innovation in agriculture as well as boosting the local economy and driving jobs growth.

“The $3.99 million from the Federal Government will go towards construction of a significant portion of the drainage works as well as part of the associated road works.”

Mayor of Forbes Shire Cr Phyllis Miller OAM said the development of the Central West Industrial Precinct was a “gamechanger” for the region.

“We have been taking many enquiries from interested stakeholders keen to invest in the region,” Cr Miller said.

“The industrial precinct is located close to the Central West Livestock Exchange, a major driver to the Forbes Shire economy.

“This funding from the Federal Government will allow the project to get to the next stage.”

Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Hon Nola Marino MP said she approved the project as it was an excellent example of investment in the region to further support local business to recover and diversify.

This funding is part of the Australian Government’s commitment of $100 million over two years to fund the Regional Recovery Partnerships in 10 regions across Australia. The Partnerships reflect the Australian Government’s commitment to working with all levels of government to deliver jobs, economic recovery and economic diversification.

Snippets…

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

GARDEN OPEN DAY: Costa Georgiadis with some young fans at the Forbes Riverside Community Garden Open Day last Saturday.

Costa Comes To Forbes: ABC green thumb Costa Georgiadis came to town last Friday and Saturday as part of Central West Lachlan Landcare’s big weekend of events that included Eco Day on Friday followed by a dinner and an open day at Forbes Riverside Gardens.
CW Lachlan Landcare coordinator Marg Applebee was chuffed with the results of the weekend and rightfully so after extensive planning hampered by numerous challenges all finally came to fruition. From all reports it was an outstanding weekend.

Bill Closes Curtain On 56 Years Of Drama: Bill Jayet first fell in love with the theatre at Forbes Town Hall as nine-year-old while watching Oklahoma. It was a passion that lasted his life and just recently culminated in a final performance in the production Wicked.
Bill, who is a life member of the Parkes M & D Society, paid tribute to everyone singling out Lyn Townsend and Neil Westcott for special praise. Well done Bill!

Studio 10 Is Coming To Town: Daniel Doody, the resident roving reporter for Channel Ten’s breakfast program Studio 10, will be at Acheson’s Mitre 10 from 8am-12noon on Thursday June 10 doing live crossed for Australia’s Biggest Bogan Fest which is on at the Bedgerabong Racecourse from June 11-13. Tickets can be purchased here at – www.eventbrite.com.au/e/australias-biggest-bogan-festival-tickets

Snake-Catcher Paul Newcombe Retires After 20 Years: When Paul Newcombe started catching snakes it was only a hobby. Newcombe had always owned and been interested in reptiles and soon the hobby became a lifestyle as the regional licensed snake-catcher.
Now some two decades later, Paul is hanging up the net and heading in a new direction and while we don’t blame him it does leave a vacancy for a resident snake-catcher if anyone is keen?

Two Local Screenwriters See Film Get Made In WA: Adam Enslow and this writer, Forbes Phoenix Editor, Dane Millerd along with director John V Soto have written a feature film screenplay called Avarice set to be filmed in Western Australia this month starring Luke Ford (The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor) and being produced by Epic Pictures.
The film follows a woman who must confront her husband’s secretive double life amidst a vicious home invasion by two ruthless assailants. Millerd, who helmed There’s Something In The Pilliga, will then co-produce a project on Katherine Knight – Australia’s worst female killer.

FUNDED FEATURE FILM: Local photographer, musician, videographer and producer Adam Enslow (above) along with Forbes Phoenix Editor Dane Millerd have had their screenplay Avarice taken up by Epic Pictures to be filmed this month in WA.

Six Million COVID-19 Tests But No Room For Complacency

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

NSW has reached a major milestone in its fight against COVID-19, with more than six million tests conducted since the beginning of the pandemic almost 500 days ago.

More than 3.5 million people have been tested for COVID-19 in NSW, with almost 1.4 million people being tested more than once.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the NSW community should be very proud of this milestone.

“As recent events show, COVID-19 can re-emerge at any time, even after lengthy periods of defences against COVID-19 as they allow us to detect new cases early and prevent further transmission,” Dr Chant said.

“NSW has one of the highest COVID-19 testing rates in the world and reaching six million tests reflects the fantastic efforts of the people of NSW since the beginning of this pandemic,” she said.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone in NSW who has come forward and been tested and urge you to continue to do so – if you have even the mildest of symptoms it is so important you come forward and get tested.”

Of the 3,514,483 people who have taken COVID-19 tests in NSW, 61 per cent (2,138,516) were tested once, with 39 per cent (1,375,967 people) tested on multiple occasions. More than 52,000 people have been tested five or more times.

People in the 30 to 39 year age group accounted for the highest number of tests (1,077,602, 18 percent of all tests), followed by those aged 20 to 29 (923,657 tests, 15 percent) and those aged 40 to 49 (855,231 tests, 14 percent).

There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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