Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Breaking Down Barriers In The Livestock Industry

April 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council’s Central West Livestock Exchange (CWLE) is one of only a few businesses that are addressing barriers for people with disabilities to partake in finding and keeping work in an industry such as the Livestock Market.

“Forbes Shire Council needs good people to work in our team and we do not dis-criminate who those people maybe,” said Forbes Shire Council General Manager, Steve Loane.

“When Ryan Glennan and his mother asked about working with the team out at the Central West Livestock Exchange we didn’t hesitate in giving Ryan a go.”

The Federal Government is currently working on a new National Disability Em-ployment Strategy and CWLE manager, Cassi Walmsley, cannot wait for this to be put into action.
“Ryan is a real joy to have working with us,” said CWLE Manager, Cassi Walmsley. “He is so dedicated and reliable on the job, it’s wonderful to see.”
Ryan has been working at the saleyards for three years and when asked what he likes about working at the Saleyards, he said: “We (at Forbes) have the best saleyards here, there aren’t too many gates.”

Mayoral Notes

April 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

I would like to give you an update on the Templar Street paving situation. We have had a few problems with the contractors but I can assure you we are back on track to pick up again and get this job done.

I know many of you have asked why we are not using our own Council staff to do a project such as this and it is because the grant funding we receive for this kind of work requires us to employ contractors. I don’t agree with this, but it is something we have to abide by to receive funding for projects like this. I will be taking it up with the politicians when I see them next.

We will be formally opening the Ninja Park on April 22, when we will be joined by Sam Farraway and Minister for Regional Youth, Bronnie Taylor.

Target will be closing this Saturday on April 17 and reopen as KHub on May 7. There is so much excitement in our shopping precinct at the moment with all of Lachlan Street shops now full and many new ones coming into Rankin Street. Stay tuned!

Frost and Fire tickets are now open for registration! The tickets are free, as they were last time, but with the new COVID restrictions we do need you to book them new ones coming into Rankin Street. Stay tuned!

Frost and Fire tickets are now open for registration! The tickets are free, as they were last time, but with the new COVID restrictions we do need you to book them and not just walk through the gate. These are available through www.123tix.com.au/events/16786/frost-and-fire.

God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Be Seen

April 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

THE GOOD WITCH: Shannen Toole as Glinda and Tom Buesnell as Chistery rehearsing for Wicked.

FIT FOR LIFE: Forbes Shire Council, PCYC NSW and Forbes North along with the NSW Police Force run Fit For Life at Forbes North Public School. For more information, please contact the club on 6862 3825.

STILL GOING STRONG: Last weekend marked the day of Col’s 50 years in the industry as he called the races in Warren.

HARD AT IT: Forbes Sorting and Penning will now be on May 14-16 after COVID forced the event to be moved. Photo by TC Ngyuyen

CLIMBING TO THE TOP: The RockWall is expected to be a big feature during Youth Week celebrations.

DISCIPLINE: Martial Arts will commence again at the Forbes Golf Club from April 21. The sport is growing rapidly and attracting more and more each week. Enquiries can be directed to Sensei Amanda on 0421 193 335.

TEAM SPIRIT: The Forbes Platypii Women’s side are all geared up and ready to fire in 2021.

Don’t Miss Out! This Will Be Wicked!

April 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

WICKED: The Parkes M&D Society will be producing Wicked this year and feature performers from across the Central West including Forbes.

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society has been in rehearsal for the iconic production of Wicked for over twelve months now. Like the rest of the arts industry, COVID-19 has prevented live theatre productions, putting the future financial viability of the Society at risk. Wicked is the production to get them back on their feet.

If you have seen a production of Wicked before, word is you’ve never seen it like this! Parkes M & D Society production has a very modern twist and is definitely different!

A prequel to The Wizard of Oz, Wicked winds the clock back to the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda (Shannen Toole of Forbes) and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba (Hannah Symonds).

Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroad and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences for her future.

Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Also starring Matt Prow (Forbes) as the dashing Fiyero, Christie Green as the scheming Madam Morrible, Aaron Kingham as a dithering Dr Dillamond, Henry Best as the lovestruck Boq, Georgia Sideris as the beautifully tragic Nessa-Rose and a 42 strong cast and band that travels from Trundle, Forbes, Grenfell, Cowra and Orange to be a part of this wonderful production.

Tickets are on sale now at www.parkesmandd.com.au or you can purchase them from Regional Business Supplies in Parkes.

Our Gal – Danni Lippiatt-Byrne

April 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

OUR GAL: Danni Lippiatt-Byrne has only lived in Forbes for about 12 months after growing up in Western Australia.

How long have you lived in Forbes? I wasn’t born here and have lived in Forbes for only a year so far and am really enjoying it.

What was your first job? My first job was as a customer service cashier at Red Rooster growing up and now I work at Acheson’s Mitre 10 in Forbes.

What makes you laugh the most? Anytime that laughing is inappropriate. I always laugh when I shouldn’t.

If money were no object what would you do with your time? Definitely travel more. I love to travel when and where I can. It’s great.

Describe your dream holiday? Backpacking around Europe for sure. It is certainly the dream holiday. Even more so now that no one is able to travel at the moment overseas.

What’s your favourite childhood memory? My mum’s apricot chicken – amazing!

If you could live in any time or place where would it be and when? Here and Now. Being in the present.

If you could share a meal with three people past or present who would it be? My family in Perth. It would be great – I love them.

If you could have one super-power at all what would it be? I have always been fascinated with and interested in time travel so I would have to say time travel would be my preferred superpower.

Can you describe what your pet hate is? Being nominated to do these things of course!

Snippets…

April 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

NEW BIN BAYS: Meagher’s Lane’s bin bay issue seems to finally be getting resolved.

New Bin Bays for Meagher’s Lane: Waste management in Meagher’s Lane has been an ongoing issue for many years. With the recent refurbishment of the lane and continuing beautification of Templar Street and the wider CBD, Council has determined the need to rectify this issue. Bin bays will be placed along the Lachlan Street side of the lane way and the project will be broken up in to three stages. Stage One installation of one bin bay commenced on April 9.

Community Day on April 29: You are invited to the Forbes Community Day on 29 April from 10:30am-2:30pm at the Uniting Church Hall, 27 Browne Street, Forbes.
The following services will be available:
• EWON: To assist with any energy or water bills
• State Debt Recovery: To assist with any fines or information surrounding work develop orders.
• Centrelink: In regards to payments and claims.
• Disability Royal Commission: For matters pertaining to any disability complaints
• Family Law Issues: Assistance supplied by – First Nations Women’s Legal Program, Western NSW Community Legal Centre Inc, Western Women’s Legal Support, Wirringa Baiya, Legal Aid NSW.
• Register of Births Deaths and Marriages: To assist will birth certificate application.

This is a great opportunity for community members to ask questions and find out what services are available to them! For more information contact Binaal Billa on 6850 1234.

Forbes Riverside Community Garden Colouring Competition: We are back at it again for the Row of ‘Crows at the Forbes Community Gardens! Got a rivalry with a neighbour, think you can outdo your classmates or are just generally looking for something to keep yourself busy – this is the event for you! We are currently taking entries for our scarecrow competition which will be held on Saturday, 29 May. Email Nina or Di at forbesriversidecommunitygarden@outlook.com for more info.

Cycling Without Age Around Lake Forbes: Cycling Without Age held an in-formation morning at Forbes Lions Park on Sunday morning. A number of Rotary members attended and are very excited to get this new transport service to Forbes. Cycling Without Age provides an activity for people who have mobility problems to enjoy fresh air and have an outing. The trishaw is piloted by a trained rider and from all reports, the experience was very enjoyable for all!

CYCLING WITHOUT AGE: Forbes Rotary has been instrumental in arranging trishaw’s for elderly and less mobile residents so they can remain social and fit.

Harry And Barry Bag Medals

April 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

PUTTING OUT: Frank Donohoe putts out on the 9th

The comp on Saturday 10 April was the Monthly Medal, with a field of 72 with Harry Callaghan and Barry Parker taking A and B Grade and Bruce Squires claiming C Grade.

The A Grade winner, Harry Callaghan, started with a triple bogey but recovered to finish a score of 68 nett. Runner-up yet again was Clint Hurford 69 nett, helped by a near perfect back nine.

The B Grade was won by Barry Parker (nett 68) from runner-up was Tony Wallace (69 nett). C Grade saw Bruce Squires win with 68 nett ahead of Tom Toohey on nett 69.

The Sunday Stableford Medley had a small field. The winner was Jacob Bernardi with 35 points. Runner-up was Ethel Coombs with 31 points.

This weekend has the playing of the Kristie Carpenter Perpetual Trophy event, in which those non-members who remember Kristie are encouraged to participate in the ‘Social Golfer’ category. Put your names on the tee sheet in the Pro Shop.

This Sunday we have scheduled a 3-P Ambrose. This is something different and will follow normal Ambrose rules. Teams of Mens, Ladies and Mixed players are allowed.

A reminder that your nomination for the Forbes Vets ‘Week of Golf’ should already be in. If not contact Beryl Roberts (0435 585 460) and speak very nicely to her. Sunday, 25 April has a welcome Sausage Sizzle, with play from Monday, 26 April (a 4BBB Stableford Medley) to Friday, 30 April (Individual Stablefords).

On Saturday, 24 April we have an 18-Hole Stroke event, sponsored by LINX, with a Stableford Medley on Sunday, 25 April.

Keep in touch on our Facebook page forbesgolfcourse and our website www.forbesgolf.org.au.

By Short Putt

Bravo Charlie As Staines Leaves Mark With Double

April 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

NUMBER ONE: Forbes Magpie junior Charlie Staines and his Penrith Panthers sit alone on top of the NRL ladder after five rounds as the only team undefeated.

It was billed a potential grand final rehearsal and for about 20 minutes it was – until Penrith put their foot to the pedal.

Penrith Panthers made it five games undefeated to start the 2021 season – a first for the club, while Charlies Staines grabbed a double as ladder leaders Penrith smacked the Canberra Raiders 30-10 in Penrith.

Staines, who continues to dine out on the wing, was in everything, including snuffing out tries as well as forcing line drop outs with deft grubber kicks. With Dylan Edwards out and pace to burn as well as experience in the fullback jersey, the Forbes Magpie junior may well find himself in the custodian role yet before the season is out.

The night was also a celebration of the 1991 Panthers grand final winning side lead by Goolagong local and Forbes favourite Royce Simmons. Ironically, Simmons and those Panthers also defeated a star-studded Canberra side that included Mal Meninga, Laurie Daley and Ricky Stuart – the current Raiders coach.

Thirty years on, can Staines and the young Panthers repeat history?

Big Season Ahead For Forbes Platypi

April 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

MATCH READY: The Forbes Platypi have been playing numerous warm up games and training well ahead of round one’s danger game against Cowra at home this Saturday.

This Saturday, April 17 Forbes Platypi will be holding their annual Sponsors Day but the first since COVID.

Fresh off numerous grades winning in Condobolin for the Brad Ridley Shield, the Platypi follow this Saturday with Ladies Day on May 1, May-Day for Trace on May 15, Charity Day on May 29, Around the World Cocktail Night June 19 and on July 3 there will be an Old Boys Luncheon. It promises to be one of the most jam-packed season’s since the club began 52 years ago in 1968.

Forbes get their season underway this weekend with First Grade starting at 3:15pm at Grinstead Oval, against traditional strugglers Cowra Eagles who like Forbes will be hoping to start 2021 on the right foot.

Forbes draw for 2021 then involves back-to-back games against both Orange sides, a trip to Bathurst then Dubbo before Round 2 on May 22 when the Platypi travel to Cowra.

This year the club will also field Second Grade, Women’s and Juniors/Colts with all grades considered contenders for the title.

Second Grade will also begin their season against Cowra before a trip to Orange against the Emu’s and then Orange City at home. Like Firsts, the Seconds will then play Bathurst and Dubbo to cap the round.

Join the Platypi Army for the 2021 season and come down and cheer on the club. You can also become a social member for $50 and this membership can be purchased against the Emu’s and then Orange City at home. Like Firsts, the Seconds will then play Bathurst and Dubbo to cap the round. Join the Platypi Army for the 2021 season and come down and cheer on the club. You can also become a social member for $50 and this membership can be purchased on the website. Membership includes cap, entry to all home games, members draw, email newsletter and member promotions.

Get down this Saturday and cheer on the Platypi as they begin their tilt at the 2021 Blowes Menswear Central West Rugby Competition.

Forbes Celebrates A Happy Easter In Style

April 9, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

HAPPY EASTER: Kids from Forbes Public School celebrated Easter with another successful hat parade.

From raffles to hat parades, Forbes turned it on last week to celebrate the first post COVID Easter and there was great weather and plenty of action.

Forbes Public School started it off last Thursday with their annual Easter Hat Parade with many outstanding entries. The Easter Bunny also made an appearance and a tremendous day was enjoyed by all who attended.

Our services such as churches and food and health were also in full operation providing support for many.In sport, the Forbes Platypii played their annual Brad Ridley Shield against Condobolin. While the result wasn’t important, the Women’s side won 35-15 and Men’s 45-5 and it was great to see people at the game and out and about.

Our bowlers entertained visitors from across the state for their annual Easter tournament and some 32 teams entered in what was a fantastic carnival while others simply strolled around the lake, had a swim, went riding, fishing or had a quiet time with family and friends. Others no doubt spent the time to catch up on rest after a busy year so far.

If anything, this Easter should give us a chance to reflect on all that has happened over the past year and to appreciate all we have and all we are.

However you spent your weekend or wherever you are, Happy Easter from everyone at the Forbes Phoenix!

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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