Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

NSW Governor Visits CUC Parkes

March 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

CENTRAL WEST VISIT: NSW Governor Beazley engaging with students at CUC in Parkes as part of her tour of the region.

The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Parkes was excited to host Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales, on Friday 19th February when they visited the newly opened Centre.

Her Excellency enjoyed engaging with the CUC Parkes’ students and inquiring about their futures.

Mother and fulltime worker, Talesha Dunn, said that studying her Graduate Certificate in Applied Digital Marketing online through Charles Sturt University was exciting but also challenging.

“I enjoy the CUC Parkes as it is a quiet place to study, away from home stresses or priorities at work,” Ms Dunn said.

“I get a full day a week to come and use the Centre to watch my lectures, finish my assessments and just focus on study for eight solid hours.”

CUC Parkes Centre Manager, Jacob Cass, spoke to the strengths of the location of the CUC.

“The Centre includes eleven computer terminals and the sitting space for students to BOYD. Students have access to the Centre seven days a week from 7:00am to midnight,” Mr Cass said.

“In addition, students also can access smaller breakout rooms for private study in the Library facility and the Centre can book and utilise the Multi-Purpose Hall (Coventry room) and the newly built Makerspace for hosting workshops or larger student study groups.”

Mr Cass thanked Her Excellency and Mr Wilson for their interest in regional higher education and for taking the time to visit the CUC Parkes and meet with current students.

The CUC Parkes is open for any student studying a higher education course and any Australian University. If you’d like to find out more about how the CUC Parkes can help support you please visit: www.cucparkes.edu.au or contact Jacob Cass on 0409 119 0933

Forbes Council Takes Big Steps On More Social Housing

March 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council is currently undertaking a Housing Strategy for the area and will start by engaging with the community to ascertain the requirements for Forbes residents.

The Strategy will ensure that the Shire is equitable and strategic when planning for future housing in the shire and they are calling for input from people across the community. Consultation for the strategy will begin on 1 March 2021.

Mayor Phyllis Miller is keen to hear the community’s thoughts on what the Council should plan for and is asking everyone to contribute to the Forbes Housing Strategy survey.

“Council is very committed to putting housing first, because we believe that it is a home that binds everyone together, as one of the fundamentals of living,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“A safe community and a good home is key to so many parts of life – work, school, friendships, good health, security and happiness.

“The housing issues we are dealing with at present include increased demand for housing and Council wants to ensure there is a mix of options for both buyers and renters,” said Mayor Miller.

“There is a need for more rental housing in Forbes which will also be addressed in the plan.”

Council will provide a variety of opportunities for the community to provide comments and suggestions for the Strategy. “Staff will be hosting pop up sessions to get your comments as well as doing in person consultations with parents at schools, day-cares and preschools and with the over 60’s both online and in person,” said Mayor Miller.

Staines Stars Again As Panthers Down Eels

March 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes junior and Panthers winger Charlie Staines has two from two with Penrith Panthers in 2021 after a strong 16-6 victory over fellow title aspirants Parramatta at Penrith Stadium on Saturday night.

Staines could’ve crossed on a few occasions with one bad call costing him a try. Yet the young side weren’t deterred, never letting their western rivals in the contest.

With Round 1 only a few weeks away no doubt we will be hearing a lot more about Staines and the Panthers as they look to go one better in 2021.

Nothing Like Painting The Town Red

March 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

PAINT IT RED FORBES: Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller is ready to paint the town red to support Ronald McDonald House and hopes you will too!

Forbes Shire Council is supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Orange in 2021 by encouraging Forbes to paint itself red and will be holding a charity High Tea on the shores of Lake Forbes at Lions Park 25 March 2021.

“We cannot wait to paint the town red for Ronald McDonald House in March,” said Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“This amazing charity has helped so many Forbes residents in their time of need.

Since the house opened, 75 families from Forbes have stayed at Ronald McDonald House Charities in Orange for a total of 298 nights – all free of charge.

“By turning the town red on March 25 this year we can ensure our local families can continue to receive support for life saving treatment at Orange Hospital,” said Mayor Miller.

“Last year a number of schools were involved in ‘Wear Red Day’ and I am truly hoping businesses in Forbes will get on board as well,” Mayor Miller said.

The High Tea will begin from 5.30pm with a number of guest speakers and include roving sparkling wine and mocktails. Tickets on sale now via 123Tix.com.

Be Seen

March 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Member for Orange and Shooters Party NSW MP Phil Donato with members of the Forbes and District Soccer Club.

Jeanette Lovett and Kristy Harvey of Currajong Disability Services at the IDPwD celebrations at Forbes Memorial Pool.

NSW Governor Margaret Beazley at the Aussie Biscuits Factory in Forbes last week as part of her tour of the Central West.

Members of the Forbes Dragon Boat Club having a catch up after some hard yakka on Saturday.

Delayed COVID IDPwD Celebrations At Forbes Pool

March 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

THE CURRAJONG CREW: Sarah Maglashan, Kyal Sauer, Jamie Cook, Jolene Jones (FSC) and Jeanette Lovett help-ing out at the BBQ for IDPwD at the Forbes Memorial Pool as Sanu Malyil Sunny and Timbo Wheeler watch on.

FORBES Olympic Pool was awash with fun and games last week as Forbes celebrated the COVID delayed International Day for People with Disability (IDPwD).

Forbes Shire Council and Currajong Disability Services teamed up with Aruma and other NDIS providers to celebrate the annual day with a series of fun activities. It is the third time that these groups have come together to host this key event.

“It was a great day to celebrate what is a big day on the disability calendar and an important day for us,” said Kyal Sauer, a participant at Currajong

Mr Sauer said the day was great in that it allows people to recognise people with disabilities for what they are and can do, rather than what they can’t.

“I would like to thank Forbes Shire Council for helping to organise the events at the Olympic Pool,” said Kristy Harvey, a support worker from Currajong.

“The effort put in to make this happen is great. I know we all appreciate it and we thank you for all of the work put in to make it a special day.”

IDPwD (December 3) is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

The Australian Government has been supporting IDPwD since 1996 and provides funds to promote and raise awareness of the day around Australia.

Big Turn Out For Golf Croquet

March 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

FINISHING OUT IN STYLE: Golf Croquet again attracted strong numbers with many close games.

GOLF CROQUET
There were 25 players for Golf Croquet on a very chilly morning on Tuesday, 23 Febuary. The winners of 3 games were John MacCullagh and Kevin Rubie. Big wins 9 – 4 went to Neville Spry and Kevin Rubie, Elvy Quirk and Tony Thomson. Close games on the day were:
• Bruce Field and John Allegri 7 Colleen Liebich and Sally Perry 6
• John Farah and Fvelyn Mahlo 7 Jeff Liebich and Robin Pols 6
• Bob Murray and Ray Burridge 7 Merv Langfield and Tony Thomson 6
• Barry White and John Job 7 Robin Pols and Libby Smart 6
• John MacCullagh 7 Evelyn Mahlo and Bruce Field 6
• Elvy Quirk and Bob Murray 7 Jill Rubie and Merv Langfield 6
• Lyn Simmonds and Jeff Liebich 7 John Littlejohn and John Allegri 6

AUSSIE CROQUET
There were 27 players for Aussie Croquet on a beautiful Saturday morning. A visiting player from Scone, Tom Harrison had a good day winning three games. Four other players to win three games were Ray Burridge, John Cole, Bob Murray and Neville Spry. Big wins of 14 – 8 went to Neville Spry, Ray Burridge and Sandy Hepburn and 14 – 9 to Tom Harrison and Ray Burridge. Close games on the day were:
• Barry White and Geoff Coles 14 Harley Stewart and Libby Smart 13
• Colleen Liebich 14 John Job 13
• Marie Spry and Robin Pols 14 John Farah and Harley Stewart 13

By Pegging Out

Our Gal – Jordana Freney

March 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like most about living here? Born and bred in Forbes, lived away but been here the last decade.

What was your first job? Sullivan’s IGA check out chick.

What makes you laugh the most? My son always makes me laugh.

If money were no object what would you do with your time? Travel the world.

Describe your dream holiday? An overwater bungalow in the Maldives.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Hanging at Nan’s.

If you could live in any time or place, when or where would that be? Back in the 60s.

If you could share a meal with any three people past or present who would they be? Both of my Nan’s and my son.

If you could have a superpower what would it be? Telekinesis would be cool.

What is your pet hate? Liars and theives.

Mayoral Notes

March 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

This week we have launched our survey to the community regarding the Housing Strategy for the Forbes Shire. I really encourage everyone to take part in this survey as it will help us plan for the future infrastructure and managing the character and amenity of our existing residential areas.

Forbes is expecting to grow significantly in the next ten years and we need to plan for the future to ensure we have the infrastructure and essential services to accommodate that. This is why we have this strategy and we want the community to let us know what they would like to see available to them in Forbes.

There will be several pop-up sessions available in town for those who don’t have access to online.

Now have you heard the wonderful news? We have a new tenant for the Target site! Kmart will be taking up the space which is wonderful news for the town. More details will be coming soon as they come to hand.

International Women’s Day Cocktail Night? This is coming up on 13 March at the Masonic Lodge. We are so excited about this too and we have a great line up of local legendary ladies speaking at this event. It is a ticketed event and they can be found on 123Tix. All proceeds will be going to Ronald McDonald House Charity in Orange. So many of our residents have had to use this great facility over the years and we would like to pay back some love.

Till next week. God Bless.
Your Mayor,
Phhyllis Miller

Local Giftware Store Re-Opens At New Location

March 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

When three local businesses went up in flames on December 28, 2020 many thought none would re-open yet the Forbes TSG and Giftware store has taken less than 8 weeks to do it.

Store Manager Simone Holmes said that the initial shock of the fire damage was quickly replaced with a big effort to keep the business going.

“We are slowly but surely building up again and excited with what lies ahead,” Simone said.

“We have a great team and are happy to be getting back to normal. Our gift range is extensive and we hope locals will return to the store and check us out.”

Forbes TSG and Giftware is now located at 131-135 Rankin Street, Forbes next to SportsPower.

“We still provide gifts and ideas for birthdays, hens and bucks parties and more,” said Simone.

“And with footy season coming up we encourage everyone to come down and check out our new range. From beer snorkels to footy mugs plus a range of stuff for the ladies as well – we have a variety of giftware ideas.”

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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