Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Improving Drought Resistance

February 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Australian Government is investing $10 million through the Climate Services for Agriculture Program to help farm businesses increase drought and climate resilience.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said the program was funded through the $5 billion Future Drought Fund and would provide farmers with access to trusted and relevant information on national and regional climate data.

“We are the first government to look to the future to prepare for the next drought which is why we have established the $5 billion Future Drought Fund,” David said.

“The Climate Services for Agriculture Program will complement seasonal forecasts and climate guides that are currently available through BOM by providing detailed regional information about future drought and climate risks and inform management actions to address vulnerabilities and prepare for future impacts.

“CSIRO and BOM will engage the agricultural sector to determine the type of climate information that is most useful to their businesses and test in four pilot regions to ensure the decision support tools to meet their needs.”

“The pilot regions will be identified in early 2021 and will include a range of climatic regions and agricultural sectors.”

The Climate Services for Agriculture Program is one of the foundational programs announced under the Australian Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund on 1 July 2020. The Australian Government continues to support farmers and regional businesses through tough times.

For more information go to: www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund#climate-services-for-agriculture-program.

Mayoral Notes

February 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

I just want to assure our community that affordable housing is on Council’s agenda, contrary to a recent media article. We govern for all residents with complete social inclusion. Despite the new Goldridge Estate not including social housing in the scheme we actively lobby our State and Federal Governments to find ways of improving the situation for our community in the township of Forbes. In recent weeks Council has been working closely with local community groups to provide facilities for the homeless to enable them access to kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities.

On a brighter note, how exciting is it that the Ninja Park is going in this month! The recent rain has delayed the installation of equipment, regardless, it will go in and be complete by the month’s end. There is so much excitement for this park, not only for recreation purposes, but also as a fitness course. This will be a unique attraction for our town and the region, providing healthy outcomes for all ages. The nearest similar venue is in Dubbo, so we have a very wide pool of people to appeal to.

Another one of our amazing parks, Jenny Murphy Park, is set to receive a new flying fox next week. Our Youth Officer is currently meeting with our town youth to find out what other kinds of play equipment the children would like to see in this park.

God Bless.

Diggers Swim

February 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

There were 12 swimmers who attended the weekly swim on Sunday morning, 31 January. There was a welcome return to the pool by Adam and Luke Andrews after a short spell, with their results showing.

FIFTY METRE RACE
• Heat One: Luke Andrews swam 53.84 off a 52 nominated. Paige McCarthy, 61.03 off 68.
• Heat Two: Shaun McCarthy took the victory with a 47.66 off 47 and Prior 50.23 off 49. Bucky Stibbard 50.88s off 49, and Geoff Drane 67.89 off 70, a disappointing result for these three seasoned swimmers.
• Heat Three: David Stibbard took the victory with some controversy with a 43.00 off a nominated 44. Brendon Hayes next with a 34.50 off 34, Andrew Burton swam really fast and broke with a 41.77 off a 43 nominated, Adam Andrews 36.23 off 41 and Kyle Sharpe 33.02 off 32.

The Diggers swim each Sunday at 10am, newcomers are welcome to join. Just nominate your time and try to swim as close to it as possible.

On Sunday, 14 February, the Forbes Club will be hosting the A.I.F Western districts carnival, so this Sunday will be the last chance for any swimmers to check their times.

Baby It’s Time

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Birthing with the Lachlan Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) began booking in expectant mothers from 21 January 2021, with many mothers now able to choose to give birth at either Parkes or Forbes Hospitals under the care of a midwife.

Acting Lachlan Health Service Manager, Jenni McGee said, “Midwifery Group Practice provides a mother with a midwife who cares for them during pregnancy, birth journey and afterwards. The MGP midwives work together in a small group.

“MGP is for women with a low-risk pregnancy, and no medical conditions. Midwives are trained specialists in normal pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. They also have support from specialist GP obstetricians if required during pregnancy.

“When pregnant women call the central intake line on 6861 2439, they will get to speak to our maternity team about the choices available, and which may be the right option for them. This is ultimately a decision based on both a risk assessment and the mother’s choice.

“Where the pregnancy is low risk, mums can now choose to birth at either Parkes or Forbes Hospital through the MGP. They will have a primary midwife working with them throughout their pregnancy which really helps develop understanding and trust,” Jenni said.

The Lachlan Maternity Service will also commence Maternity Antenatal/Postnatal Program (MAPP) clinics from 1 February 2021.

MAPP provides a mum with a midwife who cares for them before the birth and afterwards at home. The woman’s labour and birth may occur at Forbes, Orange, Dubbo or other hospitals depending on the woman and her baby’s needs.

“We are very excited for the women in Lachlan and the wider region because they will have a choice of several different models of care. We know the difference it will make for women to be able to give birth to their babies close to home”. Jenni said.

Croquet Catch Up

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Golf Croquet
Tuesday, 19 January was a fine day for Gold Croquet and 31 players came down, ready and raring to go. There were only two winners of three games, Jeff Liebich and Mal Smith. Big winners were 11-2, Evelyn Mahlo and Bruce Field. 10-3 Jill Rubie and Alex Todd, John Browne and Neville Spry. 9-4 Alex Todd and Joan Littlejohn. Close Games were:
• Lyn Simmonds and John Cole 7, John Allegri and John MacCullagh 6.
• Kevin Rubie and Lorraine Todd 7, Tony Thomson and Judy Ellis 6.
• Geoff Coles and John Job 7, Libby Smart and Joan Littlejohn 6.
• John Allegri and John Farah 7, John Browne 6.
• Colleen Liebich and Tony Thomson 7, John Allegri and Elvy Quirk 6.
• Geoff Coles and Merv Langfield 7, Jill Rubie and Marie Spry 6.
• Harley Stewart and Evely Mahlo 7, John Allegri and Robin Pols 6.
• Bob Murry and Marie Spry 7, Jill Rubie and Colleen Liebich 6.
• Judy Ellis and John Browne 7, Geoff Coles and Marie Spry 6.
• Jeff Liebich and Libby Smart 7, John Coles and John Jud 6.

Aussie Croquet
Twenty-five players played Aussie Croquet on a pleasant Saturday, 23 January. The winners of three games were John Allegri, Bob Murray, Kevin Rubie and Tony Thom- son. Close games were:
• John Farah and Bill Scott 14, John Rob and Ray Burridge 13.
• Marie Spry and Bill Scott 14, Harley Stewart and John Job 13.
• Geoff Coles and Bob Murry 14, Murrie Spry and Colleen Liebich 12.
• Kevin Rubie and Neville Spry 14, Barry White and Jeff Liebich 12.
• Liz McLean and Robin Pols 14, Cheryle Toohey and Lorraine Todd 12.

By Pegging Out

WNSWLHD Project Recognised On National Stage

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has showcased the Signs of Strangulation (SOS) Project at the National Stop Domestic Violence Conference. Danielle Allen and Julieanne Potts, presented their project, Improving Responses for Victims of Domestic Violence Presenting with Non-Fatal Strangulation at Orange Emergency Department. WNSWLHD Executive Director Integrated Care Julie Cooper said, “This project started as part of the Clinical Leadership Program but has turned into something so much bigger.” The project included the development of a vital medical alert resource card to provide to victims of DFV and SOS card.

“The SOS card is now being used by the majority of NSW Local Health District’s and other service providers including other government and non-government services who assist victims of Domestic and Family Violence,” Julie said. “I am extremely proud that we have turned this into a whole of Local Health District (LHD) response. The safety and health of our patients in every part of the WNSWLHD is important. The WNSWLHD stands against any form of domestic and family violence. “The commitment to creating positive change for our LHD by Danielle and Julieanne is inspiring,” Julie said.

Be Seen

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Ava and Ebony Percy.

Andrea Whiley and Deb Roylance watch on as Nahla Hennessey joins in.

Luella Zacchini and Brianna Bell all set up at the water park.

Violet and Lexi Millerd at the Ski Dam.

Mayoral Notes

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

What a wonderful week it has been and thank you to everyone for joining us for Australia Day on Tuesday, whether it was in-person or on Facebook Live. We are so lucky to live in this great country and we need a day such as this to celebrate the wonderful citizens of our Shire. I want to congratulate Murray Brown for his Citizen of the Year Award, Norm Haley for his Senior Citizen of the Year Award and Krystle-Lee Brown for Young Citizen of the Year Award. All very worthy recipients and I applaud the great work they do for our community. Some of you may have noticed work has begun on Stephan Field with the installation of the Ninja Park. This is going to be such a great asset for our town and one I am sure will be used by many. The project is set for completion by the end of February and I will be the first down there to show it to you when it does open.

This Friday I will be meeting with the Maritime Police and Roads and Maritime Services to look at our Ski Dam and make sure the rules are suitable in ensuring the safety of users to the park. I will report back to you on the discussions we have. In the mean-time, I ask everyone to please take care on the water and follow the rules regarding rope length and equipment being used on the waterway. We want to ensure everyone is safe using this wonderful resource we have in our Shire.

It was sad to lose one of our young residents this week and my thoughts and prayers are with the Adams family during this difficult time. God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Installation Of New Birds Hides Underway At Gum Swamp

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Midpro Engineering and Irrigation driving the footings for one of the new bird hides at Gum Swamp.

Gum Swamp, usually a serene nature reserve, has been a hive of activity as work commences on the installation of three new bird hides.

Midpro have spent four months constructing the two-storey frames for the new hides off-site at their depot. Last Tuesday, the steel footings were driven into place near the water’s edge in preparation for the timber and steel structures to be transported out to site and assembled.

In addition to the construction of three new bird hides, the existing hide was recently refurbished as part of the Gum Swamp redevelopment project.

Built in 1992 with support from Dick Smith, Australian Geographic, and several local community groups, the ‘bunker’ was in dire need of a makeover.

Forbes Arts Society’s Chairperson, Dr Karen Ritchie said, “The existing bird hide has been a tremendous community and tourism asset for close to 30 years, so we are delighted to see it refurbished to be utilised for decades to come.”

While Gum Swamp is commonly known as a destination for bird watchers, this project will encourage residents and visitors to utilise the wetland sanctuary for other passive recreational activities.

“The landscape lends itself to a diverse range of opportunities. We hope that this redevelopment will attract new user groups, including photographers, artists, health and wellness enthusiasts, and those wishing to just immerse themselves in nature,” Karen said.

Work on the new bird hides is anticipated to be complete by April 2021. Construction of the new pathways, and installation of handrails, seating and wayfinding signage will commence thereafter.

The Gum Swamp redevelopment is part of the $7 million ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’, proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program through the Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Development Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Councils and Evolution Mining.

Member for NSW Upper House, Sam Farraway MP said the redevelopment of the bird hides will boost tourism and improve the visitor experience. “This initiative is exactly what the Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Development Fund is designed to deliver, and I am thrilled to see it becoming a reality,” Sam said.

Sallaway Hits Ace

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Shane Sallaway points to the pitch mark and his ball which earned him a Hole-in-One.

The Saturday Men’s competition, sponsored by Rob Allen Livestock Transport, was an Individual Stroke event. Conditions were very hot and were made hotter by Shane Sallaway who finished his round with an ace on the 18th.

The Division One winner was Bruce Carpenter, with 69 nett. He was 1-over on the front-9 but stumbled a bit on the back-9. Runner-up was Brian Everest, on count back from new player Caleb Hanrahan with both finishing on 70 nett.

In Division Two, Les Little lovingly stroked his sticks as he won the day with a 72 nett. Nick Ryan finished as Runner-up with his nett 73 but would love to replay the 17th. Shane described his shot as ‘sweetly hit’, using a 6-iron and playing a draw shot to hold it into the wind. The ball landed barely a foot short of the hole and bounced straight into the hole. This is Shane’s second ace in as many years.

Matt Duff putts while Dave Bernardi watches intently.

The 2021 CWDGA Pennants commences 7 February. Players are needed for the Division Four team, those with a GA handicap of 17.5 or higher are encouraged to contact John Betland on 0437 572529.

The Junior coaching classes are being run by Head Pro Adam in the second week of Term One. The classes will be on Thursday afternoons, at 4pm for the six to 10 years and at 5pm for 11 years and older. Contact the Pro Shop 6851 1554 to get more details.

The Summer Super Sixes competition, sponsored by ASI Capital, is reaching the final stages of the Pool Play. The competition is currently in week 14, which is a double points round. The Finals commence on 15 February, culminating in the Grand Final on 28 March.

Saturday 30 January is an 18-hole Individual Stableford, sponsored by Golf Harvest. Sunday, 31 is a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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