Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

West Plains Road Widening

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council is currently undertaking improvements and widening of West Plains Road to the south west of Forbes. The Forbes Shire Mayor wants the community to know Council is working hard on their core responsibilities and road maintenance is a responsibility that they take very seriously.

“Council has listened to the concerns of landholders regarding the efficiency and safety of transporting produce from this part of the shire and we are actively seeking support to undertake these improvement projects,” says Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM. “We understand very clearly that we are an agricultural shire and the contribution that agriculture makes to our local economy. This project will ensure that produce is able to be moved from the south western parts of the shire to key freight arteries, such as the Newell, reducing delays for primary producers and keeping people safe on these roads.”

This project will also improve safety outcomes for members of the public using these roads in conjunction with large heavy vehicles, including employees of Evolution Mining travelling to site.

“We really appreciate the NSW Government and Evolution Mining for helping us fund this improvement. In fact, we hope we can undertake more work like this in the future.

“Council is using our own professional staff who have much experience in this type of project, as well as local contractors and local suppliers, so there are many benefits within the community,” continued Phyllis. “This is a significant Council investment of $1.5 Million and it is great to know it is contributing to the local economy.”

The project is expected to take three months to complete, depending on weather conditions. Motorists are advised to drive carefully when in the area and follow caution signs.

Fantastical Fiction In Forbes

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Author Lian Tanner visited Forbes Library to read Ella and the Ocean to a lucky group of children from Forbes Learning Ladder.

The first Wednesday of February marks World Read Aloud Day, and by a happy coincidence the Forbes Library was able to participate by sharing a special Storytime with a visiting children’s author named Lian Tanner. Lian gave a wonderfully entertaining reading of her recently published book titled, Ella and the Ocean, which she enlivened with cheery songs and finger puppets to an eager audience, amongst whom was a very well-behaved group of children from the Forbes Learning Ladder.

Ella and the Ocean, written by Lian Tanner, illustrated by Jonathan Bentley and Published by Allen & Unwin, is a simple and moving story about renewal and rejuvenation, about drought and life on the land, about travel and new horizons, and about family, and the relationship between Ella and her grandmother. Lian Tanner’s writing is beautiful and spare and poetic, but at the same time is warm, easy, and relatable for kids.

Ella and the Ocean was named Winner of the 2020 Patricia Wrightson Prize, NSW Premier’s Award For Children’s Literature.

Lian Tanner has been dynamited while scuba diving and arrested while busking. She once spent a week in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, hunting for a Japanese soldier left over from the Second World War. She likes secrets, old bones, and animals that are not what they seem. Nowadays she lives by the beach in southern Tasmania with a large fluffy tomcat called Harry-le-beau. She is the author of the internationally bestselling The Keepers series, The Rogues and The Hidden. This is her first picture book.

Our Bloke – Dane Millerd

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I’ve lived in Forbes for seven years. I like how relaxed it is.

What was your first job? My very first job was cotton chipping.

What makes you laugh the most? My own folly usually.

If money were no object, what would you do with your time? Create.

Describe your dream holiday? As Johnny Cash once said, “To be with her drinking coffee.”

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Making my first short film.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? America in the 1960s and 70s.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? My partner and my two daughters.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? To have ears everywhere.

What is your pet hate? Liars.

What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

John Scott: Church then the Australian Open tennis on television.

Jake Griffiths: Few beers at home.

Benny Griffiths: Recovering from a wedding.

Phoenix Welcomes New Editor

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Outgoing Editor Alexandria, has begun a new chapter in Sydney, as new Editor Dane Millerd takes the helm of the Forbes Phoenix.

The Forbes Phoenix is saying farewell to outgoing Editor Alexandria (Lexy) Irvine and hello to new editor, Dane Millerd.

Phoenix Group of Newspapers Director Josh Matic had high praise for former Editor Alexandria, saying she was outstanding and would be a real loss to the company. “Lexy was fantastic and really stepped up with engaging and interesting local content which made the paper the impressive product it is today,” said Josh.

“We will miss her and thank her for all her efforts. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours. Incoming Editor Dane Millerd is no stranger to Forbes having lived in the area for seven years, he also brings 20 years of international multimedia and film experience to the role,” said Josh, continuing, “Dane is a great addition to our organisation having worked in every sphere in the media for over two decades. He has worked for some of the biggest media organisations around and we are rapt to have him on board,” Josh said.

“He takes over from Lexy from 11 February and given his knowledge and relationships in Forbes, I have no doubt the paper is in good hands.”

Support For Agricultural Shows

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

2019 Miss Forbes Showgirl Molly Fuge.

Agricultural show and field day organisers that cancelled their events in 2020 because of COVID 19 now have another opportunity to recover eligible expenses and receive a much-needed cash boost as events kick off for the 2021 year.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said that eligible shows and field days approved under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program are now being invited to submit supplementary expense claims.

“Almost $34 million in cash has been rolled out to the 378 shows and field days approved for funding for costs paid from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020,” David said.

“Our shows and field days have been diligently preparing to come back bigger and better in 2021 and have continued to rack up legitimate expenses.

“Now they will be able to claim additional eligible expenditure not included in their initial application, provided they haven’t exceeded the funding cap for their show size.”

Agricultural shows and field days are at the heart of rural and regional communities and David wants to encourage all Australians to get out and support them this year, “I will be getting out to my local shows in Queensland over the coming months and am certainly looking forward to seeing first-hand our communities and volunteers in action.

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring organisers of these events are in the best position possible to continue in 2021 and beyond,” he said.

Supplementary expense claims under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program will be treated similarly to original applications in relation to assessment and decision making.

Eligible shows and field day organisers will be contacted directly with an invitation to make a supplementary claim for the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2020.

They will be assessed, and results are expected to be notified before 31 March 2021.

Snippets…

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

This year marks the 21st Anniversary of the release of The Dish.

The Dish Turns 21: For many, it seems like only yesterday, but the iconic Australian film The Dish turns 21 in September this year. Yes, that’s right, it has been more than two decades since the Aussie historical comedy-drama was released. Based largely on actual events, the film about the Parkes Observatory’s vital role in relaying live television during humanity’s first steps on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1968, was largely filmed in Forbes, due to its historic architecture and period related locations. Many of the NASA materials from the actual Apollo mission were used in the film as props as they were deemed too heavy and therefore expensive to return to the US after the actual 1969 voyage, giving the film even more authenticity. Starring the legendary Sam Neill and the late Tom Long, The Dish was Australia’s highest grossing film in Australia in 2000 taking nearly $18 million and remains a favourite to this day. Hopefully, Forbes and Parkes Shire can come together and commemorate a landmark event. Watch this space!

Bedgerabong Background: The tiny town of Bedgerabong is situated in the Central West region of NSW, a half hour drive West of Forbes. The name ‘Bedgerabong’ is derived from the Aboriginal Badjarri Bong which translates to ‘a place of good water,’ and houses a combined showground, race-course and hall and church which hosts three events throughout the year, which are held in high regard by the locals and those in the surrounding region and are great for families in the Bedgerabong Show, Bedgerabong Country Music Campout and the Bedgerabong Picnic Races. The Bedgerabong Cup is always a great event and grows year on year, with crowds in excess of 4,000 this year celebrating 101 years of racing in the community, a meet which has developed a reputation for its picturesque setting with massive river gums providing the beautiful backdrop. Great Inland Glossy Count Back On: Postponed from late last year due to excessive rain and then COVID-19 restrictions, the NSW Saving our Species program is now calling for community volunteers to become “cockatoo counters” and help be part of the Great Inland Glossy Count on Saturday, 27 February on Goobang Nation-al Park and surrounds, 90 km from Forbes. Register online: https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicEnterprise/68d8138e-28e1-4a02-85b8-341d9d9edb57.

Bedgerabong Races are back this Saturday, 13 February.

Wishes Do Come True

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

On Saturday evening, 6 February, around 200 families, friends and guests attended the Forbes Sportsman’s Hotel to support sixteen determined young people who raised more than $1,500 for Make A Wish Australia. Twelve months ago, when this group commenced preparations for their charity Debutante Ball, they had no idea what challenges they were about to face. A Global Pandemic and all the social distancing restrictions that came with it may have tried to derail them, but it certainly did not stop them.

Master of Ceremonies for the event, Maria Bullock made sure that everything ran smoothly on the evening. Arlo Barlow and Bobbie Ashcroft, the pageboy and flower girl escorted the debutantes and their partners to Daniel West. The debutantes were Sybella Carlisle and Angus Turner, Jessica Ashcroft and Blair Thomas, Bridie Herron and John Dietrich, Ruby Staines and Preston Thorpe, Hannah Staines and Brodie Acret, Ella Greenhalgh and Talis Hurford, Leilah Meritt and Xander Williams, and Jessica Little and Lincoln Godden.

The presentation dance was choreographed by Eliza Woods to ‘Speechless’ by Dan + Shay and it was a fresh, modern partner dance. The group gave a polished performance to the delight of their families, friends, and guests. At the conclusion of the feature dances a delicious two-course meal, prepared by Monty’s catering, was enjoyed by all attendees. Shirley Myers made and decorated the cake which was cut up for dessert at the conclusion of the official part of the evening.

The inspiring group raised more than $1,500 for their chosen charity Make A Wish Australia. The 100 Club and Monster Garden raffle were drawn on the night and the winners included Kate Merritt, Hannah Staines, Jo Staines, and Sharon Beuzaville.

This amazing group would like to thank everyone who have supported then through this experience, especially their families.

Bogan Festival Returns

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival is back, bigger and more bogan than ever with the announcement that the 2021 edition will be held at the Bedgerabong Racecourse on the June long weekend, 11 to 13 June. It will be the second time the festival has been held but the first time in the Forbes Shire after the success of the 2019 event at Bogan Gate.

“Forbes Shire and the Bedgerabong Picnic Race Committee have been tremendously supportive and proactive,” said festival organiser Luke Acheson, “the Bedgerabong Racecourse is a top-quality venue and home to not only significant regional events, but also one of the oldest race meetings in Australia.

“We are extremely pleased with the new home of Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival, as it provides us with more options, from higher capacity and camping, through to streamlined transport,” Luke said.

This year’s event will see the return of the same bogan royalty who made the inaugural trip to Bogan Gate in 2019, including Hype Duo, Chris Franklin, The Noll Brothers and Been Bogan as MC.

“We have more announcements and surprises in store, so watch this space,” Luke said, “though we can confirm many of the old favourites, such as husband calling, best dad bod, and worst smile will be back.

“Additionally, I can also announce that Turkey gobbling has been added to the schedule of events and all winners from 2019 will be granted free entry as defending champions.” Local and regional residents, from volunteers, sponsors and musicians are encouraged to message via the Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival Facebook page if they want to get involved.

Golfers Enjoy The Weekend

February 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Saturday Men’s Competition was an Individual Stroke event. The winners in both Divisions scored well, but most players finished slightly over par.

Division One witnessed a rampaging Ray Taylor score, a 68 nett. Ray kept his errors to a minimum. Runner-up was Mark Collits with a 70 nett, helped by a run of seven pars in the middle. The Division Two winner was Bede Tooth with the best score of the day, a nett 68. Runner-up was Dave Tildsley on 71 nett, getting there on count back.

The ball sweep went to 75 nett on count back, just the same as last week. The NTP’s went to 9th, S Grallelis and 18th, L Flakelar. The Third Hole Pro Shop Super Pin went to B Carpenter.

The visitors included Andy Brownlow from Peak Hill, Ben Webb from Dubbo, Neal Herbert from Bogan Gate and Brett Byrnes and Condobolin. They all enjoyed the change in scenery.

The Junior coaching classes being run by Head Pro Adam commenced this week, on Thursday, with separate classes for 10 years and under and 11 years and over. Drop into the Pro Shop to pick up an Information Pamphlet, which explains how to register through the My Golf initiative. Contact the Pro Shop 6851 1554 to get more details.

The Summer Super Sixes Competition, sponsored by ASI Capital, has two more rounds of normal play before the final two rounds which will have handicap restrictions. The Finals commence on 1 March, culminating in the Grand Final on 28 March.

The 2021 Programme Books are being compiled by the printer. Many thanks to Lachlan Commodities for sponsoring the publication of these books.

Saturday, 6 February will be the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Michael Robinson & Co, with a Stableford Medley on Sunday, 7 February. And of course, the Pennants commence.

By Short Putt

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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