Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Michael McCormack Pre-Selected To Contest Riverina Seat

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

PRE-SELECTION: Michael McCormack (far right) at Saturday nights Forbes 150yrs (+1) gala night at Forbes Town Hall.

The NSW Nationals are pleased to announce Federal Leader, Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has been pre-selected to be The Nationals’ candidate for the Electoral Division of Riverina at the next federal election. Mr McCormack was chosen to be The Nationals’ representative at the party’s pre-selection meeting on Sunday, 9 May 2021 at Cowra.

The Nationals’ Riverina Electorate Council Chair Barney Hyams said “Mr McCormack has been a fierce advocate for rural and regional Australia.”

“Michael is doing a wonderful job as the Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister and I am proud to have him endorsed as our candidate,” Mr Hyams said.

“He has been a strong voice for the Riverina electorate and, more broadly, rural and regional communities across Australia.”

Mr McCormack said it was a great honour to be The Nationals’ Federal Member for Riverina and remained committed to continue working hard for his constituents and their local communities.

“I am deeply humbled to have served this wonderful electorate for more than 10 years. I have lived my whole life, worked in and raised a family in the Riverina electorate and I am proud to have done so,” Mr McCormack said.

“I am privileged and delighted to be given the opportunity to continue to serve the great people of the Riverina and Central West as The Nationals’ candidate for Riv-erina at the next Federal election,” he said.

“We give all our members the opportunity to participate and have their say on all of our processes – it is this grassroots democracy which is a significant strength of The Nationals. This great party has been standing up for regional and rural Australians and being their voices in Parliament for more than 100 years and I am looking forward to continuing this important duty into the future.”

Our Bloke – Tre Griffin

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes? I don’t actually live in Forbes, I’m currently living in Peak Hill NSW and travel to Forbes five days a week to work and back. I’m looking to move to Forbes but having big difficultly finding a rental property for myself and my family.

What was your first job and what do you do now? My First job was KFC Hume Highway Liverpool NSW, but now I am newly promoted to Marketing Manager of Domino’s Forbes.

What makes you laugh the most? At work, our pizza rushes can be very difficult and very hard at some period of time’s but myself and my team are always laughing and always having fun. My juniors at the store are a great bunch.

If money were no object what would you do with your time? Travel the world and check out other Domino’s stores and learn different and better operational ways to improve our four stores in Central West owned by William Cody.

Describe your dream holiday? Travel with my family around Australia and having no access to phones.

What’s your favourite childhood memory? Getting my first motorbike on my 18th birthday, a Kawasakii Ninja 300 2015 Black Model from my harded earned savings.

If you could live in any time or place, where would it be and when? I don’t know to be honest.

If you could share a meal with three people past or present who would it be? My pop who passed away on 4 August 2012, my dad who I haven’t been able to see for a very long time and CEO of Domino’s Australia.

If you could have one superpower what would it be? Slow down time.

What is your pet hate? I don’t have a pet hate.

Pauly To Open Bogan Fest

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Fat Pizza and Houso’s star Pauly Fenech will open this years Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival from June 11-13 at Bedgerabong Racecourse.

Fenech, who is also notorious for his big thong, will be doing a stand up set, interviews, shooting clips for his shows and having a crack at the record for thonging the most people (bogans) at one time and place. There will also be a bogan wedding with full program details to be announced next week – only a month out from the event.

“There’ll be a car display, food vendors, cold beverages, lawnmower racing, mullet haircuts, promotions, comedy, activities and inevitably the crowning of Australia’s Biggest Bogan by Chris Franklin and defending champ Ryan ‘Bogan’ Edwards,” said Luke Acheson, co-founder of Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival.

“Studio 10s Daniel Doody (Channel 10) will also be in Forbes on Thursday, June 10 from 8am-12noon doing live crosses from Acheson’s Mitre 10 and we encourage all locals to get in their Bogan gear and come down,” he said.

“So if you think $80 for two nights camping, being an extra in Houso’s and turkey gobbling by a bonfire is your idea of a good time get your tickets before they sell out!”

This year will also mark the introduction of demonstration sport Best Beard and Best Chest Hair (males and females) with organisers taking an all-inclusive approach at this years festival.

“We want everyone to come along,” said Luke.

To volunteer, sponsor, become a vendor, attend or get involved you can find Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival on Facebook. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/australias-biggest-bogan-festival-tickets-93021733509

Staines Leaves Marks On Sharks With Three

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

It is nearly becoming a weekly occurrence for Forbes Magpies junior and Penrith Panthers flyer Charlie Staines, though this week he scored three tries in a 48-0 strong showing against the Cronulla Sharks last weekend.

Buoyed by the Panthers scintillating start to the season that has seen them go 9-0 in the NRL, undefeated in NSW Cup and only one defeat in Jersey Flegg, Staines continues to shine in a star-studded side that has also won 26 of its last 27 and plays a Titans team this Sunday that may be without star player David Fifita.

It was Staines seventh try against the Sharks in only two games leaving the former NRL powerhouse languishing near the bottom of the ladder. Sharks fans must be sick of the sight of Staines, a phrase previously unheard of after former Queensland Origin prop Dan played with the club during the 80s and 90s.

Yet bigger tests lay on the horizon for the young Panthers with Origin meaning up to six players may be out which will certainly test the team’s depth. Games against Souths this month and the Roosters and Eels back-to-back in late June early July also loom as a real litmus test for the club before Melbourne again in August in what may well be the precursor to this year’s decider.

A rematch between last years combatants looks certain at this point and nothing short of a win on their 30th anniversary since their first title will be enough for the Panthers.

As for Staines, its Magic Round next Sunday against the Gold Coast Titans in Brisbane and a shot at the perfect 10!

Magpies And Tigers Battle Out 26-All Draw

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

It was always going to be a tight game between the Forbes Magpies and Nyngan Tigers at Spooners last weekend and that’s exactly how it played out. In a see-sawing affair, neither side could deliver the killer blow when it mattered despite numerous opportunities. Reserves went down 28-16 while Juniors grabbed a 34-22 win and Women’s League Tag also had a draw 6-all.

The Magpies travel to Apex Oval in Dubbo next Sunday to play old foe Dubbo CYMS in the first of back-to-back trips to the city with Macquarie Raiders the week after. Forbes first grade won’t play at home again now until 4 July.

Snippets…

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

HAPPY PLACE: Forbes Playgroup is proving extremely popular with families at the Youth Centre according to coordinator Maree Yapp.

Playgroups In May: The weather is perfect, restrictions have eased and all Playgroups in Forbes are open for business and are welcoming new families. Playgroup welcomes families with young children not yet at school and in Forbes we have a number of supported Playgroups from Forbes North SaCC, Forbes Playgroup and CatholicCare. Playgroups have activities, craft and play every session and provides an opportunity for families to connect with others.
Forbes Playgroup meets every Thursday during school terms from 10am to 12noon at the Youth and Community Centre (YACC) in Battye Street, and, thanks to funding from Council and NSW Playgroup, attending Playgroup this year is free.
As a special treat for families in May, Forbes Playgroup is hosting a Biggest Morning Tea on May 27th. “We are delighted to be able to offer such wonderful activities for families with young children in May” said Forbes Playgroup Committee member, Mrs Di Whitty, “we look forward to catching up with Playgroup friends and meeting new ones”. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/ForbesPlaygroup or call Di on 0428 150 582.
Forbes North SaCC Playgroup runs every Wednesday at Forbes North School from 10am to 12 noon and is a free service. Facilitator, Maree Yapp said “Play-groups are a great place for families to have fun with children in their care and are also great places to learn more about our community”. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Forbes-North-Schools-as-Community-Centres-113660286939446 or call Maree on 6852 3008.

Grant Recipients: Forbes Arts Society and Forbes Public School P&C have both been successful gaining Arts OutWest grants. FAS sought funds for support for a one-day Regional Art Trail event while Forbes Public can now engage a local Indigenous artist who is an old boy of the school to paint an Aboriginal mural. The project will involve Forbes North, St Lawrence’s Primary, Forbes High and Red Bend as well as Aboriginal Education Community Group (AECG) representatives and our 292 students in education connecting them to country (NAIDOC theme this year) and Dreamtime storytelling.

Well Done FSC For Heritage Week: Credit where credit is due – Forbes Shire Council really turned it on for Heritage Week last week. From period re-enactments to heritage walks and talks, a big congratulations to Cass, Nina, Jolene, Sarah, Andrew, Kimberley and the team who put in a monumental effort to make this happen. You’re all stars!

JOB WELL DONE: Forbes Shire Council turned it on for Heritage Week culminating in a spectacular 151 year extravaganza at Forbes Town Hall last Saturday night lead by Events Manager Jolene Jones (right).

Dominos Sports Brief

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

All-Stars Lose Tight Game To Parkes

Forbes All Stars went down 2-0 to their fancied rivals Parkes Wanderers in the latest round of soccer matches played on the weekend. Despite a gallant effort, the All Stars couldn’t match it with their opposition who were too organised and slick.

Western AFL WSSA Results

Western finished a respectable 11th with two wins at the WSSA AFL NSW state championships in Byron Bay last week. A tight win in the opening round against South West was followed by four defeats until the Red Dirt Cup against Barrier saw Western run out 6.5.41 to 3.3.21 in a dour affair. Well done to the Forbes boys who represented us well!

Dynamic Duo Win Rep Honours

Two Forbes rugby league stars have been selected for their Country sides to meet City in Sydney this coming weekend. Magpies star Mitchell Andrews has been selected for the men’s and Darcy Leadbitter the Under 18s, as NSW Rugby League lines up City v Country matches across three venues on May 15 and 16. The program will see Country vs City matches being played on Saturday 15 May.

Netball Carnival Success

The Forbes Netball Association held a very successful all age carnival last Sunday.
Players aged from 9/10 years to opens travelled from all parts of the West, Central West and Riverina to compete. The Forbes carnival is one of the leading carnivals in the West/Central West and equals the larger associations of Orange, Bathurst and Dubbo. Over 500 players played more than 260 games of netball.

Showers Can’t Stop Shine In Stroke

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

On Saturday the Men’s comp was an 18-Hole Stroke, sponsored by the B&C Auto, with 65 players participating. Once again the course had the better of most players after early rain, with only four scoring par or under on handicap.

Division 1 was won by Barry Shine with a nett 68, the best of the day. Runner-up was Connor Greenhalgh (71 nett). Like a fine wine, Shine seems to be improving with age.

Division 2 saw Dave Tildsley reap the benefits of practice with 69 nett. Runner-up was Geoff Drane (73 nett) with another demonstration of consistency.

The ball sweep went to 76 nett, so please check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to: 9th – S Grallelis, 18th – P Kay. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Robert Borger, finishing only 58 cm from the hole.

This weekend sees the playing of the Forbes Men’s Open on Sunday. There is already a field of 164 players, so it will be a good day. The 4BBB on Saturday also has a large field with over 140 players registered. This is the first round of the “O’Connors Golf Trilogy”, with other rounds to be played at the West Wyalong (23 May) and Condobolin Opens (30 May).

Saturday, 22 May is an 18-Hole Stroke, playing for the Wilf Hodges Memorial Trophy. Sunday has a Stableford Medley at home, and the West Wyalong Open.

Until next time, happy golfing!

By Short Putt

Forty Years Of Special Sports At Red Bend

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

40TH WALK OFF: Currajong’s Chris Spicer, Thomas Da-vis, Jye Jeffrey and Mark Madden at the OCTEC Forbes 40 years Special Sports Day

Participants from NDIS providers from across the region attended the 40th annual OCTEC Forbes Special Sports Day, held annually at the Red Bend College and operated by the founder, Dianne Decker AM.

Starting in 1981, the sports day involved wheelchair sports held at the Forbes Showground. A few years later many of these participants were involved in the Paralympics which led to the sports day evolving into a day for intellectually disabled participants to be included. Many schools from Canberra, Sydney and the Central West became involved at this time and students were able to compete in events such as swimming and athletics races.

Now 40 years on, the Special Sports Day is held at Red Bend College with the students assisting in all aspects of the day for the visiting schools including organising the races, calling the races and being sup-porters of everyone visiting.

“The day is about inclusiveness, having fun and participating in different sports events with others from around NSW,” said Dianne Decker.

“It would not be a Forbes Special Sports Day without each school and group marching in their sports colours to the playing of bagpipes and the Red Bend drummers,” she said.

“This day could not operate each year without the ongoing support of OCTEC, Molly Nelson running the cafe and the Red Bend College and its students.”

During it’s time, the event has attracted schools from Sydney and Canberra and while it may be more regionally focused nowadays it never stopped Thomas Da-vis of Currajong Disability Services having fun at the event. “It’s a great day to catch up with friends especially since COVID stopped last year’s event,” he said.

Neil Hamilton of Currajong also commented on how much all the participants love the day out. “They all enjoy it and already they are planning next year!”