Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Mahe Fangupo Named Women’s Platypii Coach

April 9, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SUB ME ON: It was great to see rugby back last weekend during the annual clash for the Brad Ridley Shield played between Forbes and Condobolin each year.

Mahe Fangupo has been appointed coach of the Forbes Women’s Platypii Rugby Union side for 2021. Fangupo brings a wealth of knowledge to the role having plied his trade across the region.

The Forbes Rugby Union Club will also be holding a Sponsor’s Day on Saturday April 17 for those keen to come along.

A big shout out also to both the Platypii and Condobolin Rugby Union Club for a special night held with the annual Brad Ridley Shield. The game wasn’t held in 2020 due to COVID-19 and it was great to see so many support this special event.

The game has been played since both clubs tragically lost three players between them in the 2002 Bali bombings. Brad played for both Forbes and Condobolin and was well-liked and remembered by all. All class to both clubs for keeping this tradition alive!

NSW Senior Long Track Titles This Weekend

April 9, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Auto Sports Club are hosting the annual NSW Senior Long Track Titles at Hoopers Road, Daroobalgie from 8am-5pm this Saturday April 10th and again on Sunday, 11 April. Phone 0409 918 019 for more information.

Our Bloke – Adam Molloy

April 9, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

OUR BLOKE: Adam Molloy (right) with son Nate getting ready for school.

How long have you lived in or has it been since you moved to Forbes? I have lived my whole life here in Forbes. Forbes is home.

What was your first job and what do you do now? Bernardi’s IGA packing veggies though now I run my own business Adam Molloy Carpentry.

What makes you laugh the most? My kids a lot of the time. They are funny.

If money were no object what would you do with your time? Permanent holiday of course. It would be great as you would never have to stay in the same place twice.

Describe your dream holiday? I would love to travel Australia. So many places to see and things to do.

What’s your favourite childhood memory? I loved camping and fishing throughout my childhood and still do. I still go out camping and fishing any chance I get.

If you could live in any time or place where would it be and when? Definitely the 1980s. Good music and great cars. I was also a 1980s baby.

If you could share a meal with three people past or present who would it be? Billy Connolly, Chuck Lidell and Geoff Toovey. Would be an interesting dinner if I could get a word in.

If you could have one superpower what would it be? I’d love to be able to teleport. Any parent knows this is the one skill we all need.

What’s your pet hate? I hate liars. Can’t stand them. You never ever know where you stand with a liar or what they’ve lied to you about.

Ninja Park Opens In Time For Easter

April 9, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

HANGING AROUND THE NEW NINJA PARK: Josie and Jock Townsend enjoy the new ninja park last week

Forbes Ninja Playground, inspired by the televised Ninja Warrior series, opened last weekend just in time for Easter and the school holidays.

The park, which has been in the works for some time, has two courses to cater for junior and senior kids. It didn’t take long for crowds to flock.

The two kids courses share a three-metre-high warped wall, which is a feature of every course in the televised series and was certainly a hit last week.

The Ninja Park is located at Stephen Field, near the skate park, the location chosen after community consultation but debated by councillors due to its location in the floodway.

When councillors finally resolved the location of the park, based on community feedback, they then designed a flood emergency plan that includes the removing obstructive equipment during a flood event.

Despite recent rains, the park has held up well and will certainly be a popular attraction these school holidays. Will the next Australian Ninja Warrior come from the Forbes Shire?

Watch this space to see who will become Forbes next ninja warrior!

Organisers Bowled Over By Strong Turn Out

April 9, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Players from Sydney and the Central Coast arrived in Forbes for last weekend’s $10,000 Easter Bowls Carnival at the Forbes Bowling Club. The Men’s Pairs Final was taken out by Sydney duo Terry Pappas from Waverley and John Fitzgerald from Taren Point in a tight affair with “Wallacia Wildcats” young guns Bradley Rowley and Zane Ballhouse. In a see-sawing battle, the elder statesmen got the chocolates 14-12 in front of a packed house in superb conditions. Congratulations to all 32 teams and organisers on a tremendous event.

The Forbes Phoenix

April 7, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Public School Easter Hat Parade

April 6, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Hallie Tomkinson, Primrose Walker

Strong Field For Croquet Despite Rain

April 1, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The rain beat us for Golf Croquet on Tuesday, 23 March.

We had 24 players for Aussie Croquet on Saturday, 27 March. There were 2 winners of 3 games, John Allegri and Ray Burridge. Big winners were 14—8 Neville Spry and Jeff Liebich, John Browne and John Allegri 14—9 Harley Stewart and John Allegri, John Browne. Close Games were:

• Bill Scott and Robin Poles 14 Tony Thomson and Doreen Rogers 13
• Jill Rubie and Merv Langfield 14 Kevin Rubie and Liz Mc Lean 12
• Geoff Coles and Ray Burridge 14 Elvy Quirk and John Farah 11
• Doreen Rogers and Robin Poles 14 Lyn Simmonds and John MacCullagh 11
• Dorelle Scott and Tony Thomson 14 Bill Scott and Harley Stewart 11
• Colleen Liebich and Ray Burridge 14 John Farah and John Browne 11
• Kevin Rubie and John Allegri 14 John MacCullagh and Lorrine Todd 11
• Jeff Liebich and Marie Spry 14 Lyn Simmonds and Harley Stewart 11
• Liz McLean and Bill Scott 14 Jill Rubie and Bob Murray 11
• Bill Scott and Ray Burridge 14 Lorraine Todd and Jeff Liebich 11

By Pegging Out

Stimulus Funding For Local Showgrounds

April 1, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Upper House MP Sam Farraway today announced more than $482,000 for upgrades across six local showgrounds under the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program.

Mr Farraway said upgrades will be funded to Forbes, Trundle, Eugowra, Tullamore, Manildra, and Parkes showgrounds to improve facilities and infrastructure while supporting local work.

“Our local showgrounds are multi-use community hubs so it’s terrific to see this further investment in infrastructure upgrades to keep them safe and functional for future generations,” Mr Farraway said.

“Showgrounds provide facilities for agricultural shows and a wide range of community groups and many also serve as relief centres during bushfires and floods to provide shelter for residents and animals and a base for emergency services.”

Some of the latest funding allocations include:
• $140,096 for Trundle Showground to redevelop its hospitality facilities
• $76,705 for Eugowra Showground to concrete areas surrounding the pavilion, upgrade external lighting, and for improvements to its horse arena
• $15,620 for Forbes Showground to in-stall four reverse cycle air-conditioners.

Minister for Water, Housing and Property Melinda Pavey said the COVID-19 stimulus program has now allocated a total of $55.77 million to 795 showground improvement projects across the state.

“We previously provided $35.77 million across the State to support 623 upgrade projects at 187 showgrounds which have so far supported over 1,490 jobs, providing work for tradespeople, suppliers and fabricators,” Mrs Pavey said.

“These investments are providing a kick start by improving the safety, use and condition of showground infrastructure while stimulating communities.”

Our Gal – Joyce Gray

April 1, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes? I lived in Forbes for 39 years.

What was your first job? My first job was out at the all-nighter on the West Wyalong road.

What makes you laugh the most? Family and Friends having a good time.

If money were no object what would you do with your time? I love to travel.

Describe your dream holiday? I would love to go to Las Vegas.

What’s your favourite childhood memory? I have a heap hanging out with my cousin Tracey we were always up to something.

If you could live in any time or place where would it be and when? Right now is good time for me as I have my granddaughter.

If you could share a meal with three people past or present who would it be? My Dad, Jimmy Barnes, Luke Combs.

If you could have one superpower what would it be? Invisibility – that would be interesting.

What’s your pet hate? Rude people it costs nothing to be nice.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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