LEADING THE WAY: Wyatt Hearn and Nathaniel Wilton leading Class KD.
GOOD TIMES: Jack Bull, Charlie Acheson and Delta Steele.
HAPPY EASTER: Olivia Gamble and Sadie McConnell enjoyed all the colour and excitement.
CAN WE HAVE CHOCOLATE YET: Forbes Public School students waiting for the parade.
LOVING THE PARADE: Ruby Lidster, Grace Fuge and Eila Duggan loved the FPS Easter Hat Parade.
COUNTDOWN TO HOLIDAYS: Daivik Patel and James Gamble.
CW B-BALL: Her Flame Burns Bright Clinic participants with Sam Farraway MP at Bathurst.
In a slam dunk for basketball in the Central West, female basketballers have trained with and learnt from Australia’s best at the Brydens Sydney Flames’ Her Flame Burns Bright basketball clinic at Bathurst today. Her Flame Burns Bright featured a junior clinic, coach’s clinic and leadership program presented by Australian Opal Lauren Nicholson. The aim of the program is to increase female participation and retention in regional NSW.
The program, supported by the NSW Government, will be delivered in 10 locations over the next three years to more than 2,000 female basketballers and coaches. NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the Her Flame Burns Bright program would play a vital role in nurturing and inspiring future athletes across the region.
“You can’t be what you can’t see and this program will inspire our female players and invigorate women’s basketball throughout the Central West.”
BRONZE MEDALISTS: Forbes team Kate Loneragan (Captain), Chloe Madden (Vice Captain), Nat Carthew, Mel Cowhan, Alex Bayley, Ellie Flick, Shannon Hurley, Kate Kelly, Hannah Mattisje, Nicole Mee, Monique Pointon, Joelene Grace (injured). Coach-Robyn Kenny, Manager Marg Spackman, Primary Carer Gabe McMillan, Bench official Monica Morrison.
Sport loves a good fairy tale. Whether it be the game winning three-point shot or the putt to win a golf title. Forbes Women’s side hasn’t been together more than 100 days and one of their key players Joelene Grace went down with a season ending injury only minutes into the opening game of the year but Forbes have defied their bigger, more fancied rivals and grabbed third in their first foray into the Central West Regional League in Orange.
The Forbes Netball Association open representative played the finals of the Netball NSW Hart West/Central West Regional League Division 1 competition in Orange at PCYC stadium and had beaten Bathurst (30-25) and Dubbo (28-18) in the run to the semi-finals.
While Forbes couldn’t do the repeat job on Bathurst in the qualifying semi-final, they did defeat Dubbo for third in a positive display. In a tight affair, Forbes won the moments that mattered and grabbed bronze in a stirring effort. No one can deny it has been an impressive return to representative netball for Forbes opens and the signs are there for more success in the future for our girls.
Coach Robyn Kenny was very pleased with the effort. “All members of the team have taken big steps up in intensity and skill and matching their opposition in all competition games,” said Robyn.
“They’ve been showing great teamwork, and supporting each other,” Robyn said.
“All players have taken on the challenges with enthusiasm and positive play.”
The Forbes team representatives were – Kate Loneragan (Captain), Chloe Madden (Vice Captain), Nat Carthew, Mel Cowhan, Alex Bayley, Ellie Flick, Shannon Hurley, Kate Kelly, Hannah Mattisje, Nicole Mee, Monique Pointon, Joelene Grace (injured). Coach-Robyn Kenny, Manager Marg Spackman, Primary Carer Gabe McMillan, Bench official Monica Morrison.
Safer journeys are on the way in Forbes and Parkes with projects rolling out under the latest round of the Australian and NSW Governments’ accelerated Fixing Local Roads program.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Forbes and Parkes Shire Councils would share in more than $5.7 million in road funding to help tackle the increasing amount of work required to provide safe roads for their communities.
“Forbes Shire Council will receive $2,382,564 in joint funding to improve the Yarrabandai Road, which I know was affected by the recent heavy rainfall,” Mr McCormack said.
“Safe reliable roads are essential infrastructure for communities in regional New South Wales – by improving roads, we are making a big difference to people’s lives in ensuring they get home sooner and safer,” said the National’s Leader.
“We know improved roads are crucial to regional communities – the 16 successful road projects across the Riverina and Central West receiving $20,084,287 in funding from the NSW and Federal Governments, will play a big role in helping residents and businesses recover from the effects of bushfires, drought, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.”
NSW Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said that it was great to be able to work with the Federal Government to deliver these vital upgrades to local roads. “This program won’t just ease the burden of maintenance for local councils, but it will deliver safer, more reliable journeys for all local road users.”
Round 1 of the Fixing Local Roads Program saw $243.6 million of joint funding allocated to 253 projects in 83 Local Government Areas, and Round 2 will see $150 million allocated to more than 100 road projects in 90 Local Government Areas.
We are so excited to be bringing Frost and Fire back this year. It will be a little different due to the new COVID rules and the event will be ticketed. Entry remains free, we need to have tickets to ensure we do not have too many show up and have to turn people away. Local acts Gracey Jones and Fog Pilots are performing and the major act, the amazing Bob Evans (previously of the well-known band Jebediah). But that’s not all, there will be fire buckets scattered around the Ski Dam, Walter Whip and the Flame will be moving through the crowd showing his fire tricks and stunts as well as John Buttagig playing guitar. For the Game of Thrones fans a Jon Snow lookalike will also be roaming through the crowd for photos.
We are asking for expressions of interest for food and alcohol providers for this event. Head over to our website for an application form.
Last week the paving began on the pedestrian strips of Templar Street. This work will be done in small sections to ensure minimal disruption to customers and the stores along this street. We apologise for this taking as long as it has, it has been difficult to get contractors but now we have them we are keen to get this job done.
Meaghers Lane is also having work done to it with new Bin Bays being installed this week.
God Bless.
Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller
After matching a 102 year old rugby league record last weekend, Charlie Staines Penrith Panthers have put yesterday’s darlings Manly to the sword in an emphatic 46-6 win at Lottoland.
Staines, who was again a big feature in much of Penrith’s attack, had another strong performance for the Panthers on the flank outside new centre three-quarter recruit Paul Momirovski who signed on from Wests Tigers at the beginning of 2021.
The Panthers remain unbeaten after four rounds alongside neighbours and rivals Parramatta however Penrith’s 44 point superior points differential puts them on top of the NRL ladder leading into this Friday night’s key match with fellow contenders the Canberra Raiders. Canberra sit fifth on the NRL ladder and have only had the one blemish to date with a hiccup against a hungry Warriors side two weeks ago.
Yet for Staines and Penrith it’s all about this week and continuing a winning run that has seen the side win 21 of their last 22 games and only allow 16 points against them in four matches so far in 2021.
Up the Panthers!
One of the most popular days on the local sporting calendar will be held this ANZAC Day with the Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Club ANZAC Day Race Meeting including feature events such as the Les Findley Memorial, Forbes Sub-branch Diggers Cup and the Clarrie and Val Robb Memorial Pace among others.
All Club Forbes members will receive free entry by showing their club membership on the day at the gate for what promises to be another great installment of this timely event.
The following Sunday May 2 will see the TAB Carnival of Cups meeting with the feature race being the Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Final. Gates open at midday with full bar and canteen facilities available on course.
ALL IN A DAYS WORK: A good looking flock of sheep are lead through the gate at the Forbes Livestock Exchange.
FLU SEASON: Flu season is upon us again and medical and health professionals alike are encouraging people to book in and get their shots.
SES TRAINING: Forbes SES Volunteer Chris Hodge gets put through his paces over the weekend.
HAPPY EASTER: Children from Forbes Public School held their annual Easter Hat parade last week.
FORBES LITTLE A SUCCESS: Laine Jackson at the NSW Little Athletics Track & Field Championships in Sydney recently.
SCHOOL DELIVERY: Dominos Forbes among the many campaigns they do for the community also support our schools including Forbes High.
HANGING AROUND THE NEW NINJA PARK: Josie and Jock Townsend enjoy the new ninja park last week
FOOTY’S BACK: Montana Whitby and Halle Rattenbury turned out for the Forbes Women’s League Tag side at Narromine last weekend.
FOLLOW THROUGH: Greg Webb follows through on his drive watching it intently as it flies down the fairway.
There was a wealthy of golf played over the Easter weekend, with Saturday’s comp an Individual Par, sponsored by the Forbes Tuesday Golfers, and contested by 76 players. The Division 1 was close, with Phil Duke winning with a score of +2 ahead of Brad Ashton on +1. Division 2 results saw Isaac Vale (+11) the winner ahead of Lachlan Higgins (Royal Sydney) on +7.
The NTP’s went to: 9th – D Kennedy, 18th – S Betland. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Steve Betland, making a good day for him.
The Sunday Stableford Medley had a small field. Ethel Coombs won the day with 32 points, on count back ahead of Greg Blackstock (West Wyalong). There were no NTP’s.
Monday’s Stableford Medley had quite a few more players, including some visitors. The winner was Brad Ashton (39 pts) from Max Haley (38 pts). The ball sweep went to 32 pts on count back. There were no NTP’s.
The Wallace Cup Match Play Championship Draw will be made soon, with games to commence in late April. Get your name in now if you want to play.
Head Pro Adam has organised a Taylor-Made equipment demo day on April 15, and a Mizuno equipment demo day for May 13. Contact Adam if interested – 0433 485 846.
A “Three Opens Champion”, will be played over the Forbes, West Wyalong and Condobolin Opens, with a handicap champion determined in each of three grades. Details are being circulated.
Saturday 10 April is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by ‘the Roadies’ group. Sunday has a Stableford Medley. Saturday, 17 April is the annual Kristie Carpenter Perpetual Trophy.
Happy Easter and great golfing!
By Short Putt
All Abilities Cooking Day: Mark Wednesday, 21 April at 10am in your calendars as Forbes Preschool along with the Forbes Youth Action Team are holding the All Abilities Cooking Day. For further information on the All Abilities Cooking Day or any other holiday event, please contact Forbes Shire Council on 02 6850 2300 or www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/contact-us
Rebecca Wilson visit: Author Rebecca Wilson (who has written a book on Kate Kelly, sister of bushranger Ned) will be visiting this month on April 16 at the Book Dispensary, Forbes. The workshop begins at 10:30am and finishes at 1:30pm. Kelly, for those who are unaware, is buried in Forbes cemetery.
New Doctor Training Scheme To Boost Bush GP Numbers By 400: Up to 400 general practitioners will train to work in regional Australia over the next four years, with the establishment today of the Coalition Government’s Rural Generalist Training Scheme (RGTS) to boost doctor numbers in the bush.
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) will deliver the Government-funded $49.7 million program, with ACRRM providing up to 100 Rural Generalist GP training places each year.
Federal Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton said the end goal of the RGTS is for patients to have increased access to primary health services in rural and remote communities.
“Rural and remote communities want safe and high quality primary healthcare services delivered by well-trained GPs with training in an extended rural skill set,” Minister Coulton said. “Our Government is committed to making this happen by continuing to build the rural medical training pipeline.”
“I want to acknowledge ACRRM’s hard work over the past twelve months to bring this program to fruition for aspiring rural generalists. By providing more rural training places, we will open more GPs’ eyes to the significant benefits of being a rural generalist and living in a regional community.” Minister Coulton said rural generalist GPs are critical to the delivery of healthcare in rural and remote communities, and their specialist skills and training allow them to provide medical care in a wider range of circumstances.
Forbes Community Day April, 29: If you’re free on April 29 between 10:30am and 2:30pm and need help with anything from bills to Centrelink debts or even family law issues or Disability Royal Commission submissions, then come down to the Uniting Church Hall, 27 Brown Street, Forbes. For more info call 68501234 or email enquiries@binaalbilla.com.au
You Choose Set For Return: We are pleased to announce You Choose is re-turning to Forbes this month and this time around Melissa McGuiness will be holding an adult session for parents and guardians. This powerful information session is essential for all parents of young drivers. Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning Sarah Williams on 6850 2300 or emailing sarah.williams@forbes.nsw.gov.au
FSC And DPI Run Fishing Workshop: Forbes Shire Council is partnering with the DPI to bring yet another Fishing Workshop to the lake. Come along and learn fishing tips and tricks and win some amazing giveaways! All participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The event is being held on Tuesday, 13 April from 9am-11am at Lions Park. Cost is free.