Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Croquet Meeting A Success As Club Marches Forward

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

A very successful meeting was held at the club after play and was largely attended. Of late we have our shade area almost complete, our small storage shed also in the making and all financed by our very own club.

Results: Aussie Croquet Saturday, 22 May
There were 25 players including visitors from Melbourne namely Karen and Bob Bradley. Close games recorded on the day were: Barry White and John Cole 14 def Doreen Rogers and Cheryl Toohey 13; Jill Rubie and Lorraine Todd 14 def Bob Murray and Jeff Liebich 12; Harley Stewart def Karen Bradley 12; Anne Stewart and Karen Bradley 14 def Merv Langfield and Doreen Rogers 12:

Winners of all three games were John Browne, Harley Stewart and Barry White. Congratulations to all three players.

Our neighbour town of Parkes is in the throes of starting a Croquet club and two ladies from Parkes recently visited us to play and get an idea of the game. In doing so our Forbes Club was able to generously give them twelve of our old unused hoops to get the club off the ground. Wishing them the best of luck in their new venture.

By Hammer Shot

Forbes/Parkes Dragon Boat Team Among Best In Nowra

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Parkes and Forbes Dragon Boat Clubs combined for the first time for the Nowra Waterdragons Fire Recovery Regatta last weekend, and came home with a very good result against seasoned competition.

The Shoalhaven weather made it a memorable and challenging event, but the Endeavour and Lachlan Dragons proved to be a force to be reckoned with finishing sixth out of a total of 21 teams that included some of the top teams from around NSW.

The Nowra Waterdragons’ two-day flagstaff event included a 9km paddle around Pig Island, but the event was called off half-way through when the weather deteriorated creating dangerous conditions. Parkes/Forbes took part in the 2km replacement event early on Sunday morning.

The team also competed in the 200m races and moved up the ranks in the three heats with a third, second and first place in the last one in a very competitive time of 48.77 giving them a spot in the major final with the other top seven teams on the day.

After a wobbly start in the final, the team recovered to finish sixth overall. “The team of Forbes and Parkes paddlers combined well to form a very competitive outfit who went onto perform extremely well in the challenging conditions on the Shoalhaven River,” said coach of the Lachlan Dragons Chris Favell.

“It was an excellent effort by the team to make the major final in such a competitive event against a range of very strong clubs from across the south coast, Canberra and Sydney regions of NSW.”

Endeavour Dragons coach Deb Abela said she was very proud to see both teams combine so easily both on and off the water. “We compared well to the other clubs and achieved some of our best times ever.”

Dominos Sports Brief

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Congratulations Elly Ireland

Congratulations to Elly Ireland who gained her Bronze umpiring certificate last week.
Elly joined the Umpire Development program earlier in the competition and has been coached to improve her umpiring skills.
Elly umpires every week, and the players she umpires have benefited from her improved level of umpiring. Well done Elly.

Shooting This Sunday May 30

The next Sunday shoot will be on May 30 at 10am. This will be the first round for the Shield shoot for Rimfire and Centrefire. The next Wednesday shoot will be on June 2 at 2pm. The Centre-fire rifle shoots start at 2pm after the Rim-fire shoots on Sunda
For information on .22 calibre rimfire shooting contact Wayne Facey on 0414 524 059, Norm Brook on 0458 664 541 or Ben Smith on 0427 524 151.

Shield competition shoot dates are on the notice board in the Rim-fire shed. For information on clay target shooting contact Norm Brook or Ben Smith. Anyone wishing to obtain a long arm firearm licence can contact Wayne Facey or Norm Brook.

Lawnmower Races June 13 Add To A Great Long Weekend

On Sunday, June 13 the Forbes Auto Sports Club will be hosting lawnmower racing at Daroobalgie. The races will cap off a tremendous weekend of Aussie fun and larrikinism that includes Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival at Bedgerabong Race-course from June 11-13.

Tickets for each event are separate purchases and separate events and can be obtained via their Facebook pages Forbes Auto Sports Club and Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival or via Eventbrite – www.eventbrite.com.au/e/australias-biggest-bogan-festival-tickets

Eleventh Heaven For Staines And Panthers In Dubbo

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

ELEVEN ON THE BOUNCE: Forbes junior and Penrith Panthers flyer Charlie Staines celebrating after the 56-12 towelling of fellow contenders Souths at Dubbo’s Apex Oval.

It was billed as a clash of the titans and a prelude to the big dance in October. Instead it was a nine tries to two training run as Charlie Staines and the Penrith Panthers made it 11 wins in a row in a 56-12 rout at Apex Oval in Dubbo.

With local products Isaah Yeo and Matt Burton lining up for Penrith as well as Temora’s Liam Martin, the Panthers had a Central West flavour and a chemistry that showed on the field as the mountain men scored nine tries to two.

Nathan Cleary opened the scoring in the third minute and it wouldn’t be until five minutes before halftime when former Panther custodian Josh Mansour dived over for the Rabbitohs to the delight of many locals.

Staines was solid again on the flank and the Forbes junior enjoyed working with messrs Cleary, Luai and Burton inside him. Staines could easily have added to his already impressive 2021 try tally if not for the half-time hooter. Instead Burton bagged three and two before the break.

Oranges couldn’t come soon enough for Souths. Despite strong local support and a wealth of representative talent at their disposal, the Rabbitohs were pedestrian. The Bunnies have leaked more than 50 points in a game twice this season in a worrying sign with Origin approaching and injuries mounting. No team has won the title after suffering two 50 point losses in the same year and the evidence indicates it won’t change this year either.

Penrith added four more tries after the break as Cleary finished with 8/9 goals in a crafty and dominant display that must surely worry Trent Barrett, coach of the last placed Canterbury Bulldogs – Penrith’s opponents this weekend. Barrett is also from Temora and left the Panthers as assistant coach in 2020 in unceremonious circumstances for Canterbury.

If Staines and the Panthers win they will tie the 1925 Souths side for 12 wins in a row to start a season with only the 95 Manly side on 15 wins in front of them.

For Staines though it’s all about next week. For many in Forbes and Pantherland it’s already about the long weekend in October.

Cowra Get Revenge At Home Against Platypi

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Platypi suffered a shock defeat to 2021’s big improvers Cowra Eagles in Cowra on the weekend 36-10 in front of a boisterous home crowd.

The loss has left the Platypi just holding onto second spot on 18 points behind high-flyers Orange Emu’s (24 points) but in a gridlock with Cowra (16 points), Bathurst (15 points) and Dubbo on 14 points heading into their top of the table clash at home this Saturday May 29 in round seven of the Blowes Menswear Cup. Even sixth placed Orange City on 11 points are four points and one good game out of finals contention.

Seconds went down 27-16 in a dogged match against the Eagles as well and will be looking to turn their fortunes around this weekend as well after a mixed run of results. The Women’s side had the bye while the Colts drew 17-all with Dubbo in arguably one the best games of the year.

Forbes play Orange Emu’s this weekend and will be looking to reverse the round two loss in Orange when the ladder leaders triumphed 38-26 at home in a quality game. A win for the Platypi and a double on Orange City the following week will hold the side in good stead as they enter a run of crucial games against other finals contenders Bathurst and Dubbo.

Snippets…

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

FIREWOOD COLLECTION: Residents sourcing their own firewood this year are encouraged to be mindful where they source it from so as to avoid being fined.

Heavy Fines For Illegal Firewood Collection In National Parks: As the weather cools, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reminding residents across the Central West that it is illegal to collect firewood in national parks, state conservation areas and nature reserves. NPWS Central West Area Manager Fiona Buchanan, said it is important that residents around Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Condobolin, Forbes and Grenfell are aware of the heavy fines that apply.

“We are getting the message out there that collecting firewood, including dead wood and fallen trees, is not permitted in national parks,” Ms Buchanan said.

“Dead hollow-bearing trees and woody debris provide habitat for many endangered native animals in the Central West. Illegally cutting down dead trees and removing this fallen timber for firewood destroys critical habitat that these animals depend on for survival,” she said.

NPWS uses surveillance cameras in parks to detect illegal activities, including firewood collection. On-the-spot-fines apply, and very large fines can be handed out by the courts.

“A number of people have received fines totalling thousands of dollars in recent times for illegally collecting firewood from local national parks and nature reserves,” Ms Buchanan said.

Costa arrives in Forbes: Better known for his exploits on ABC Gardening Australia or as Costa the Garden Gnome on Get Grubby TV, Costa Georgiadis, will be coming to the Forbes Riverside Community Garden for their open day on Saturday, May 29.

Aside from being a television personality and presenter, Georgiadis is a landscape architect, environmentalist and producer. He has helped creat Costa’s Garden Odyssey for SBS and also picked up a Silver Logie for his Gardening Australia work.

School Eco Day: Central West Lachlan Landcare have also invited Costa the popular green thumb to participate in the Schools’ Eco Day on Friday, May 28 and speak at the Landcare dinner that night.

While it isn’t a Costa look-a-like competition, pre-school aged children are encouraged to come to Open Day dressed as garden gnomes and to take part in the Gnome Parade at 11am.

Forbes Riverside Community Garden is at 59-71 Reymond Street, Forbes. Please pre-register if you are coming to the Gar-den on Open Day. Tickets are a COVID requirement. Go online to www.stickytickets.com.au/YQZMK to book.

FORBES VISIT: ABC greenthumb Costa Georgiadis will be here in Forbes this weekend.

Riley Pike Wins Hodges Memorial

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SHOT TRACKER: Bruce Chandler tees off with a cracker down the centre in the Saturday Stableford comp in Forbes.

Riley Pike used his early start to score 47 points which was good enough to outlast the 61 players in the field and capture the ‘Wilf Hodges Memorial Trophy’.

The Division 1 was won by Luke Flakelar (41 points) from runner-up Paul Pymont (40 points). The Division 2 results followed the Division 1 trend with high scoring. Riley Pike (47 points) was a clear winner from Andrew Quirk (43 points).

On Sunday a large contingent of Forbes players participated in the West Wyalong Open, contested by 99 players. This was the second in the ‘Trilogy of Golf’, with Condobolin Open (Sunday, 30 May) the last to be played. Forbes players featured highly in the prize winners.

The Open Winner, and winner of the ‘Don Hatch Memorial Trophy’ was Steven Betland with 69 Scratch. This is the third year in succession that a Forbes player has won the event.

This weekend has an 18-Hole Stroke event, sponsored by Country Mile Motor Inn. On Sunday there is a Stableford Medley, and the Condobolin Open, open to both Mens and Ladies.

Telling The Story Of Local Business Through Social Media

May 21, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SUCCESS: Rich Evans spoke to a packed house recently in Forbes as part of RDA’s Central West tour to educate people on multimedia

Regional Development Australia Central West (RDA Central West) recently partnered with Rich Evans, CEO of Central West Media, to host a social media and digital marketing workshop in Forbes.

The workshop, delivered thanks to the support of Evolution Mining, attracted more than 60 people from Forbes, Condobolin, Parkes, Garema, Canowindra, Cowra and Bathurst.

RDA Central West CEO, Sam Harma, said it was fantastic to have such a big response to the workshop.

“To have more than 60 people from Forbes and the surrounding communities attend the workshop speaks to the value local businesses and the community see in effective digital marketing strategies,” said Mr Harma.

“Smart and successful social media and digital marketing is the gateway for small businesses to reach and grow their audience and increase sales. It is also constantly evolving.

“After Rich presented at the Backing Business Forum in 2020 we knew he would be the right fit for this workshop because he is not only an engaging presenter and expert in the field, but is passionate about storytelling and supporting local businesses across the region.

“Small businesses and local organisations are the backbone of any regional community and following the workshop, I hope we will see more business success stories coming out of Forbes and the Central West.”

This workshop was delivered thanks to the support of Evolution Mining.

Phoenix Newspaper Group Welcomes New Staff

May 21, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

NEW PARKES SALES MANAGER: Emma Henderson started this week as the new Parkes Sales Manager and will work alongside Editor Maggi Barnard and Forbes Sales Manager Jordana Freney.

In further positive news for our parent company the Phoenix Newspaper Group, Parkes Phoenix now has a new dedicated Sales Manager with Emma Henderson taking up the new role last week.

Emma, who has an extensive resume in sales, is also a business consultant and has experience in real estate.

“I am extremely pleased to be joining the Parkes and Forbes Phoenix newspapers,” said Emma.

“I am passionate about our region and as someone born in the area and with ambitions to help improve our rural communities, I am glad I can now also help businesses with their marketing as well,” she said.

Aside from running the Forbes Community Page on Facebook, Emma, a young mother and entrepreneur, also has designs on a tilt with Forbes Shire Council at the elections in September.

“I have lived in Parkes and Forbes and consider both big parts of my life. I love our communities and it’s great to see them thriving,” she said.

Emma joins Forbes Sales Manager Jor-dana Freney and newly appointed Manager of both Parkes and Forbes Phoenix newspapers, Dane Millerd. Maggi Barnard will remain editor of Parkes.

“Both Emma and Jordana have great character and a brilliant can-do attitude,” said Dane Millerd.

“They understand their communities and I can assure you they have a number of exciting concepts for our advertisers including video production,” he said.

“I am under no illusions that with Emma’s appointment, that we can get on track to re-establishing the Phoenix as the premier product it is.”

For Phoenix owner Josh Matic, Emma’s appointment is a real boost. “Emma has a tremendous attitude and vast experience,” he said. “Her skill-set and local knowledge will be an invaluable asset to us.”

To enquire about marketing opportunities in Parkes and Forbes contact Emma Henderson sales@parkesphoenix.com.au or Jordana Freney sales@forbesphoenix.com.au

By Dane Millerd

Shannen Stars In Parkes M&Ds Wicked Production

May 21, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

WHICH WITCH: Shannen Toole as Galinda the Good Witch and Hannah Symonds as Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West in Parkes M&D’s Wicked.

This week, the Forbes Phoenix caught up with Wicked star Shannen Toole who plays the good witch Galinda in the Parkes M&D production.

Tell us a little about your role in Wicked and who you play?
I play Galinda the Good Witch who is a popular and self-absorbed character who is determined to make everyone love her and she remain the centre of attention.

What do you enjoy about the live theatre?
It’s just magical. Being a part of any musical is always a once in a lifetime experience and putting together a show that can transport you away for a few moments is always something I cherish being involved in.

What is the story about?
It is about the untold story of an unlikely friendship between two girls who meet at Shiz University as students. One is the blonde and popular Galinda and the other is an outcast and slightly misunderstood green girl named Elphaba played by my wonderful friend and cast mate Hannah Symonds. It follows their journey to meet the Wizard of Oz and how their lives take very different paths following this meeting. Galinda is however seduced by power and popularity while Elphaba stays true to herself and to those around her which has unexpected consequences for both the girl’s futures. This in time will see them become Galinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Is acting/ music a passion or hobby or both?
It’s definitely both. I’ve been ‘bitten by the bug’ for musical theatre ever since primary school and music has always been played in our household growing up and has done still to this day.

Wicked is sold out and wraps on May 23.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Congratulations Elly Ireland

Shooting This Sunday May 30

Lawnmower Races June 13 Add To A Great Long Weekend

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