Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Vinnies Shops turn 100 this month! What do you think Vinnies has brought to the Forbes community?

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Helen Smith – St Vincent de Paul Society Conference president Forbes: Vinnies shops do a wonderful job by providing a cheaper option to find good and quality goods. The conference and shop are like a community where people care for each other.

Tanya Godden – Vinnies NSW Regional Retail Manager: Vinnies shops have become sought after for treasure hunters and those after expensive labels but at a bargain price. Also, the volunteers need Vinnies as much as Vinnies need volunteers.

Bev Parsons – volunteer for over 20 years: Volunteering brings me fulfillment and enjoyment. We are a great bunch of people and have lots of joy and lots of laughs. It is a pleasure to be here, listen to people’s stories and feel like you’ve made some difference.

Snippets…

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The NSWRFS Yarragong Brigade safely delivered four Bedgerabong Public School teachers past floodwaters for the first day of Term 4 on Monday.

Nedd The Incredible: Forbes Shire Council staff clocked up 158.4 kilometres in support of Nedd Brockmann’s Record Run. Nedd, a Forbes local, has grabbed the attention of the whole country by doing a remarkable run from Cottesloe Beach in Perth to Sydney’s Bondi Beach – averaging 100 kilometres a day for more than 40 days. He is aiming to raise $1 million for homeless people. You can support his effort by donating to the Council effort, or follow Nedd on Instagram.

Biodiversity in Focus Competition: All students in the Parkes Shire can enter the inaugural Biodiversity in Focus photography competition. Cash prizes are up for grabs to students who submit the most creative and intriguing photos that feature native plants, fungi, animals, or vegetation assemblages found in the local government area. Entries close Wednesday, 28th October.More information on the council website.

Signage On Mobile Speed Cameras: Additional warning signs will be introduced around all mobile speed cameras across NSW. Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the government had listened to the community on this important issue. “These additional warning signs will help educate drivers in real time, giving them advanced warning to slow down at these high-risk points of our road network.”

Variety Fundraising: This month, Woolworths is encouraging Parkes and Forbes Shire customers to support the Variety Fundraising Appeal by purchasing a $2 token or rounding up their purchase to the nearest dollar when they shop. Funds from this year’s appeal will go towards the Variety We Move Grant, providing life-changing mobility equipment for kids living with a disability.

Work Starts On Manildra’s Bridge: Work has started on the new $12 million bridge at Manildra on the Henry Parkes Way an important link between Orange and Parkes, to replace the existing 92-year-old bridge. About 2,000 vehicles use the bridge every day. There will be full bridge closures for up to 10 weekends in 2023 with a detour via Cudal. Transport for NSW will notify residents two weeks in advance before any closures take place. The existing bridge will be reduced to a single lane from Monday, 24th October. More information on the Transport for NSW website.

Last week, Parkes Shire Councillors helped to revegetate land around the Parkes Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and create habitat for native wildlife. A range of native species were planted, including wattles, eucalypts, dodonaeas and casuarinas. Pictured are Michael Chambers, Council’s Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator (second back) with Mayor Ken Keith (back left) and Councillors Marg Applebee and Glen Wilson at the back, and Deputy Mayor Neil Westcott and Bill Jayet in front.

Parkes Bowling & Sports Club Results

October 7, 2022 by Karma Chameleon

The second semi-final of the Minor Singles was played last Tuesday between Gary McPhee and Greg Townsend. The scores were tight over the first 7 ends, only 2 shots the difference in favour of Gary. Playing good draw bowls enabled Gary to maintain, and steadily increase the margin over Greg, to eventually win the match 25 shots to 13. Gary will now play Mick Simpson in the minor singles final.

A high standard semi-final of Major Singles between Mick Simpson and Mick Went was played on Saturday in front of a large group of supporters. The defending champion Mick Went dominated early, leading 8 shots to 2.

However, the very determined Mick Simpson gradually reduced the margin and briefly took the lead, 14 shots to 13. As the thunder and light rain added to the tension on the green, the defending title holder Mick Went outclassed Mick Simpson in the end, winning 25 shots to 16.

Mick Went plays Peter McPhee in the Final, while Mick Simpson has a great opportunity to advance to the Major ranks as he plays Gary McPhee in final of the Minor Singles.

By Karma Chameleon

Rain

October 7, 2022 by Margaret Irwin

The rain comes down and the mud gets thicker as water covers the road.

The front yard and quagmire are one and the same, there seems to be no difference now.

We take our lives in our hands as we traverse our driveway on our way to and from town.

The rain comes down and the mud gets thicker as water covers the road.

It’s been a long bleak winter, with clouds all the way and not too much sunshine at all.

The road is all holes covered with brown, muddy water, an enjoyable ride to be sure, We bump up and down over unseen mishaps, holding our breath at all points.

As we silently pray for the holding together of coil springs, shocks, and ball joints.

The rain comes down and the mud gets thicker as water covers the road.

The road is bad, the driveway worse and the grass and weeds are so tall as we struggle to find enough dry in a day, to get out the mower at all.

We could get depressed, as we battle for zest to do all the things that we must.

But what’s the point, it doesn’t help, where’s the benefit in getting fussed?

The rain comes down and the mud gets thicker as water covers the road. So, we just give thanks to our wonderful God, who works to keep our lamps lit.

For this is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it.

By Margaret Irwin

Australia

October 7, 2022 by Janette Hill

Dear Editor

I have enjoyed your paper for a long time and will always be grateful for the kindness and compassion that surrounds us here. I grew up in a world where hard work, respect and kindness were a basis for guiding us into the future. When we moved to Parkes, we found our true home.

Help is given freely, people smile and speak in passing on the streets, hard work continues each day.

Please find enclosed one of my poems that has special meaning about how I feel and how proud I am to be Australian.

Kind regards,
Janette Hill

Australia

Sing me gentle lullabies
that soothe me with their sound,
hold my hand ‘til morning,
for then I’m on my way.
I’ll cross the land around me,
I’ll see this morning sunrise,
and watch the evening tide,
I’ll pick a desert bloom for you
and watch the petals fall.
I’m but a wind that’s calling
I’m but a fallen soldier trapped inside your spell,
just another casualty
of a land that holds my heart,
a land of hidden beauty
and one I know so well.
Treat this land with kindness,
see the gifts it gives,
learn its ancient wisdom
calm its troubled heart.
Bring it peace and shield it
from the soul who mean it wrong.
Stand proud beneath the gum trees
and sing a song or two,
give her all you’ve got inside
and she’ll be true to you…

Ukraine

October 7, 2022 by Warren Tanner

Liberated and united they long to be The people of Ukraine are determined to be free

The amount of destruction is hard to believe

Yet they say they’re resolute Surrender they won’t concede

Their courage and bravery is second to none

The world will support them until they’ve won

The traitorous aggressor has threatened with war

And nuclear arms if their demands they ignore

Their president leads boldly

And won’t give in to threats

The people support him

They have no regrets.

By Warren Tanner

Mayoral Notes

October 7, 2022 by Phyllis Miller

You will have no doubt by now seen some unsettling rainfall predictions for the remainder of this week, and we know that things are already very wet. I can tell you that whatever rain does come our way, Forbes has faced floods before and as a community we are in a great position to face again with our trademark resilience and community spirit.

It is perhaps a timely reminder to have an emergency plan prepared, move your stock, pumps and other items above flood level, and if it is likely that you will be isolated, make sure you have enough essential items.

I encourage you to subscribe to Council’s emergency Flood Warning SMS system for the latest updates on road closures and areas of concern. To subscribe, email communications@forbes.nsw.gov.au or contact Forbes Shire Council office and one of our friendly staff will be more than happy to help. If you are in need of emergency help in floods and storms, the SES can be contacted on 132 500, or in life threatening emergencies, ring 000. On a lighter note, wasn’t it amazing to take a little step back in time with all the vintage cars in town over the past week. The love and care put into restoring and showing these vehicles never ceases to amaze me. It was wonderful to see so many visitors to our town and the warm welcome they were greeted with.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Even Scores In Medals

October 7, 2022 by Short Putt

Geoff Drane drives.

The Forbes golfers took advantage of the good weather to enjoy the course and get some early games in, ahead of a busy family weekend.

The men’s comp was the Monthly Medal 18-hole Stroke, sponsored by Forbes Concrete, and pursued by 57 starters.

The A-Grade was won by Alf Davies with 70 nett, on count back from Andrew Dukes. Andy tried his best, finishing with a birdie, but Alf had two birdies on the back-9 to keep his edge.

The B-Grade was won by Anthony Alley with 71 nett, on count back from Tony Cogswell and Niel Duncan. Anthony had the better back-9 of all three.

The C-Grade comp was won by Tony Travers (The Coast) with 71 nett, on count back from Dave Bernardi who was awarded the medal.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – Paul Pymont; 18th – Andrew Dukes. The 3rd Hole Super Pin went to Peter Dawson with a shot to 1.6 metres.

The Ball Sweep went to 75 nett on count back, with six players in the toss but only two successful. The visitors included Tony Travers (The Coast) and Neil Morris (Pacific Dunes), with Lee Grierson (Wollongong).

By Short Putt

Four Towns ‘Band’ Together

October 7, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Band members from the Parkes, Forbes and Grenfell bands who performed at the 2022 Forbes Eisteddfod.

Forbes residents can look forward to a big concert of four bands joining together on 29th October at the Forbes Town Hall at 6pm.

Following the fellowship between all the participating bands at this year’s Eisteddfod, the Forbes Town & District Band has invited the Parkes, Grenfell and Cowra town bands to join them for a major concert.

“Each individual band will perform, and the four bands will join together to play pre-rehearsed musical selections at the concert,” said Sueanne Nixon, secretary of the Forbes Town Band.

The concert will also serve as a fundraising event for the Forbes Town Band. “Community members can bring their own non-alcoholic drinks and nibbles and make up a table with friends to enjoy the big band feeling in our town hall.”

Tickets are $10 and available at the door. Enquiries/Bookings: 0402 093 785.

Forbes Woman Wins Lotto

October 7, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

A Forbes woman’s Sunday was turned up-side down after she checked her Lotto ticket in the early hours of the morning and discovered she’d scored a sensational $730,000 win!

She held one of the seven division one winning entries in Saturday’s Lotto draw 4299 and took home a division one prize of $733,492.92. Her winning entry was purchased at News on Rankin in Forbes.

“I’m in shock! There’s too many emotions going through my head,” she giggled when an official from The Lott reached out to her.

“I got up early, and I decided to check my ticket around 6:30am to see if I’d won anything

“At first, I thought I’d won $19, but then I couldn’t believe my eyes when the winning numbers lit up on The Lott app.

“I ran straight to my husband and son to wake them up – they were very tired and confused.

“I’ve been playing Lotto for more than 40 years and I’ve just kept going. They do say you have to be in it for your chance to win it! It’s a great way to start my Sunday!”

With more than half a million dollars coming her way, she said the prize would help boost her retirement plans.

“I’ve been thinking about retiring for quite some time now, and this will really help,” she said.

“I’m getting to that age now, so this has come at the most perfect time.”

News on Rankin team member Annika Dukes said the team was celebrating the momentous occasion.

“We’re overjoyed to have sold a division one winning entry. We hope the winning streak continues for our store for many years to come!”

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Australia

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