Parkes Phoenix Editor

UNSILENCED: Rebecca Wilson (right) at the unveiling of the Kate Kelly memorial plaque at the place where she died to coincide with the launch of her new book “Unsilenced”.

Author Rebecca Wilson recently launched her debut book, Kate Kelly, the true story about Ned Kelly’s little sister, in her hometown of Forbes. Locals have rejoiced at the launch of this book and having this incredible story be told.

“When I was a young person growing up in Forbes in the central west of New South Wales, my uncle told me that Kate Kelly, the younger sister to renowned bushrangers Ned and Dan Kelly, had lived in the town for a number of years. But it wasn’t until 2010 that I discovered that the teenaged Kate had ridden as a decoy for and delivered news and supplies to the Kelly gang when they were on the run in northeast Victoria from 1878 to 1880. I was instantly intrigued, and jumped down the rabbit hole of research, hot on Kate’s heels,” Rebecca said.

One aspect of Kate’s story that intrigued me was the mystery surrounding her death. Kate had arrived in the region in 1885 and was employed at Cadow Station, in Forbes, as a domestic servant under a false name. I was shocked to discover it had been my relatives who hired her.

After playing a significant role in the saga of her brothers and suffering relentless fame as a consequence, Kate was found dead in a waterhole in October 1898, leaving behind three young children and an infant. Perhaps her attempts to disappear from the public eye are the reason her story is not remembered very well in history’s pages.

“I congratulate Bec on the launch of this wonderful book,” said Forbes Shire Councillor, Michele Herbert who was at the launch.

“I think it is so important we tell the stories of the past and keep our history alive for future generations.”

According to Aussie Towns website, “Forbes is a remarkably elegant and substantial inland town. Famous for its connections with the bushranger, Ben Hall (he was killed and buried here), today it is an important rural service centre noted for its fine parks and gardens and its large and gracious public buildings. The rural economy in the district is based around a major cattle sale yards complex, beef and hay exports, wool, wheat, grain seed crops, oil seed crops, fruit and vegetables.”

The settlement was first named by Surveyor General John Oxley who called it simply Camp Hill. Oxley subsequently re-named the settlement Forbes after Francis Forbes, later Sir Francis Forbes, who became the first Chief Justice of New South Wales in the Supreme Court.

But Forbes is so much more than that. It’s the Vandenberg Hotel, Mayor Thomas’s Grecian Fountain, the Band Rotunda, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and the Post Office Hotel. Forbes is the Sweet Three Vintage Van, the Forbes Platypi and the Forbes Magpies. It’s the ski dam and VanFest and now Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival too. It’s Katie Kelly, Phyllis Miller and Phil Duke. It’s the flat red horizon with endless blue skies, starry nights and camp fires. Forbes is many things to many people.

To me though it represents family, nature, lifestyle and friends. It’s a cold drink on the deck at the Bowling Club, a nice meal at Wan Wah or even a walk along the heritage trail. Forbes isn’t just a town – it’s amazing!

By Dane Millerd Editor

It was the first ANZAC Day since COVID broke and if crowds are any indicator, it was also one of the biggest ANZAC Days Forbes has seen in recent memory. The large numbers of participants had all come to recognise and acknowledge the 106th anniversary of ANZAC Day.

It began with the dawn service as the Last Post echoed across the still vespers light at Victoria Park culminating in the customary march from Cross Street to the Forbes Cenotaph.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller was “ecstatic” with the turn-out while Forbes Sub Branch President Michael Walker said “today proved ANZAC Day is alive in Forbes!”

There were families, some four generations deep, vintage cars, marching band and key speakers throughout the stirring ceremony to acknowledge our servicemen and women and the ANZAC spirit.

Observed on 25 April each year, ANZAC Day was originally devised to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in the Gallipoli Campaign, their first engagement in the First World War (1914–1918). ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of that first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

It was certainly a special way to bring in one of the most important days on the national calendar and confirmed that the ANZAC spirit is well and truly still alive in Forbes.

Even though COVID-19 has interrupted international travel, nothing could stop members of Forbes CWA Evening Branch and their guests experiencing some of the food and culture of Ecuador recently.

“Expanding our knowledge of other countries and the cultural aspects of that community raises awareness and encourages members to socialise and support each other as well as those in other communities,” said Robyn Miller, president of the CWA Evening Branch.

“By studying a country, members are furthering their knowledge and understanding, which is a focus for the CWA.”

Members and guests sat down to an Ecuadorian three course meal prepared by Kim and Marc, and their team at the Vandenberg Hotel that included traditional foods such as slow cooked pork marinated in beer, garlic and cumin and beef marinated in achiote spice served with guacamole, tomato salsa and hot sauces followed by an entree of empanadas filled with cheese and onion.

Unable to find a local who has travelled in Ecuador to be a guest speaker, the internet and Mr YouTube proved to be a great source of information. The gathering learned about fifteen surprising things that Ecuador is famous for including the Panama hat, cut flowers especially the rose and the orchid, and the most hummingbird species in the world, and that Ecuador exports some of the finest chocolate in the world. Surprisingly to many though is the fact that they also eat guinea pig (cuy).

“The success of the night would not be possible except for the outstanding research and culinary skills of Kim, Marc and their team in the Vandenberg Hotel kitchen for providing another delicious and unusual traditional meal,” said Mrs Mackinnon.

Thanks also go to David Mahlo for his technical assistance on the night.