Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Our Gal – Natasha Harris

December 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I’ve been here for about 18 years and I like the people in Forbes and how different it is to where I’m from.

What was your first job? Stacking shelves in a mini mart in Wilcannia.

What makes you laugh the most? Being around family.

If money were no object, what would you do with your time? I’d probably take on more hobbies and put more time into my painting.

Describe your dream holiday? I want to go up North to Darwin and Kakadu.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Hanging with my cousin, getting up to mischief and swimming in the river.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? Forbes, 2020.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? My dad, my mum, and sister.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? To be able to read a person’s mind, only when I need to though.

What is your pet hate? Bad manners.

Be Seen at the Christmas Markets

December 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jozy, Evin and baby Banjo Penney.

Kallie Trainor and Zara Alghamdi.

Cameron, Alena, Stephanie and Harry Fleming.

James Maslin with Tanya and Austin.

The Finals of the Forbes Netball Spring Night Competitions for both Mixed and Ladies’ teams were played last week. Great skills were on display as the players contested with their opposition and fought hard for each goal scored by their team. All players showed outstanding sportsmanship for their teams.

The Final of the 17 under division was won by Hot Shots who defeated Speculators 27-22.

Hot Shots started well, outscoring their opposition in the first quarter, but Specula- tors fought back, and at half time the score was 17-10 to Hot Shots.

Hot Shots circle defenders of Georgia Cole and Lily Boyd were leading their team, with strong rebounds and tight defence. The second half saw Speculators catching their opposition, winning the second half by two goals.

Strong attacking from Speculators shoot- ers Halli Woolnough and Amity Payne, helped to keep their team in the game. They were supported by defender Sadie McCahon who tried for every intercept. Hot Shots centre Kirby Maslin was a great link through the court, to help lead her team.

The Final of the Ladies Open division was won by Gundamain who defeated Chunky Pies 52-30. The game was closely contested, with Gundamain gradually pulling away in each quarter.

The second and fourth quarters for Gundamain sealed the match, with centre Nicole Mee and shooter Chloe Madden shining for their team.

Chunky Pies’ Ellie Flick and Phoebe Costello had outstanding games, with accurate shooting from Ellie, and strong attacking and defending from Phoebe.

Gundamain’s goal attack Shannon Hurley was extremely fast around the court, with strong drives, and accurate passing and Rebecca Roach also stood out for her team.

The Mixed Final was won by Gundamain who defeated Mix & Match 44-25.

Chloe Madden, Gundamain shooter was accurately supported by attacker Shannon Hurley. The experience of the older Gundamain team showed through during the game but Mix & Match did not give up.

Mix & Match was led by Jacob Collits and Fiona Howarth, who both had outstanding games. Gundamain won every quarter, with Annabelle Dyer making a difference for her team. Circle defender Gabe Boland for Mix & Match never stopped trying and took some great intercepts.

Celebrating Twenty Years Of Service

December 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Robyn Miller (left) and Karen Wright from the Forbes CWA Evening Branch.

The Country Women’s Association (CWA) Evening Branch celebrated the 20 years of service Robyn Miller has achieved as a CWA member at a recent Christmas function. She was presented with her 20-Year Badge by the outgoing 2020 President, Mrs Karen Wright.

Robyn was recognised for her long service to the community through the CWA with a presentation of a 20-year badge and congratulations from members of both the Forbes Evening and Forbes Day Branches of the CWA.

Robyn joined the Forbes Country Women’s Association Day Branch in December 1994 and served the community with this branch until 2009. With a few breaks in her membership to travel, work, and live in other locations, Robyn re-joined the Forbes CWA Evening Branch in 2012 and has continued to serve as a member to the present day. At the AGM in October 2020 Robyn was elected President of the Forbes Evening Branch for 2021.

Outgoing President Karen said that Robyn is “Always one of the first women to put up her hand to join in, and assist with the many and varied projects the CWA NSW and the local Evening Branch are organising or participating in.” Robyn has been a volunteer working at the Royal Easter Show CWA Tea Rooms for several years, involved in making and serving tea and those famous CWA scones.

Some of the many activities Robyn has been involved within recent times include assisting with the distribution of NSW and ACT Foodbank hampers, Ladies of the Land pamper packs at the end of last year, as well as assisting with distribution of Foodbank fruit and vegetable deliveries earlier this year. Robyn has excelled at being an advocate for country women, particularly in improving maternity and other health services in the local area. Robyn has supported preventative measures for domestic violence issues in the community and contributed to many fundraising efforts for the branch to assist others in need. Robyn is genuine and caring, a true farmer’s daughter who always considers the needs and well-being of others.

On receiving the 20-year badge, Robyn said that it was an honour to have served the local community through the CWA, and she hopes to continue supporting the local community, stating, in the true spirit of those first pioneering CWA ladies’, “You just have to get in there and do it, otherwise things just don’t get done.” A sentiment that has seen the CWA achieve monumental goals over the course of its existence.

Loads Of Christmas Cheer

December 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Draw number five took place last week. Supervised by the lovely staff of Cahills Shoes, a winning ticket came out of the big bin, revealing Harry Gault as the winner of a $500 Why Leave Town Card. There are only two more draws before the major draws take place on Thursday, 24 December 2020.

“We are delighted with the Christmas window decorations, thanks to all of the entrants for this years’ competition,” said Forbes Business Chamber President, Marg Duggan. Voting for the Viewers Choice is underway with everyone in the community being urged to vote using the Forbes Business Chamber Facebook page.

“I would like to thank Matt Hunter and Jay-Lee from Hunter Real Estate in Parkes for their support in allowing us to use empty shops for displays. The displays have certainly been the focus of favourable comments from the public,” said Marg.

Next week the Forbes Business Chamber and Forbes Shire Council will partner to add another exciting activity to the Christmas program, Find The Elf In The Shop, which will encourage children, youth and adults to wander through the CBD and seek out an Elf that is hidden. Forbes Council has provided three $100 Why Leave Town cards for the winners. “This treasure hunt is taking place from 14 to 21 December, the community has to identify 20 stores with an Elf in their front window or in a prominent position that is visible during and after hours,” said Marg.

Clues will be printed on the back of the entry form. When the Elf is found, the details of his whereabouts are to be completed on the entry form. Entry forms can be collected from News On Rankin, Undercover Sleepwear, and Allure on Main from 14 December. Completed forms can be handed into Made Of Fridays by 21 December.

Funding For Forbes Dragon Boat Club

December 5, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Dragon Club members with Phil Donato and the new 10-seater dragon boat.

On Monday, 30 November, Member for Orange, Phil Donato MP visited Forbes to announce funding for the Forbes Dragon Boat Club under the Local Sporting Grant Program 2019/20.

The $5,000 of funding contributed towards the purchase of a champion 10-seater dragon boat, an asset that is already being put to good use in the Club.

“The Forbes Dragon Boat Club is a growing club of around 33 people that provides a wonderful social outlet, comradery, and physical fitness,” Phil said.

“It’s wonderful to see the local Dragon Boating community continue to thrive, and I was proud to support this funding application.”

Club member Deanna Williams said she was delighted the club received the funding and explained that the new 10-seater boat is a huge benefit in numerous ways.

“We previously had two 20-seater boats, we needed the 10-seater champion boat because we often don’t get the number of people required to put out a 20-seater,” Deanna explained.

“You need at least 10 people to paddle a 20-seater boat, but only five or six people to paddle a 10-seater. A lot of members travel from a fair distance, so if they turn up and we can’t put out a boat, it’s a bit of a disappointment.”

Deanna also explained that the new 10-seater boat also allows for more rigorous training, which suits some of the clubs more competitive members.

“Quite a few people come for a social paddle, while some members like to train more rigorously to get practice in for NSW representation at the Australian Championships,” she explained.

“The 10-seater is a smaller boat which means it’s more difficult, and you really need to get your technique right and your timing correct. It is great for rigorous training practice. The 20-seaters are heavier and more stable, so they are better for the social paddles.”

Late Night Shopping Dates For 2020

December 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Late night shopping dates have been announced in Forbes, “I am really happy to announce the dates for the 2020 late night shopping. Businesses have the choice to participate in late night shopping on Thursday, 10 and 17 December and again on Tuesday, 22 December. All shops are encouraged to remain open until 7.30pm,” said Forbes Business Chamber President Marg Duggan.

The Business Chamber is looking forward to many businesses supporting these dates and have already received confirmation from The Bakehouse that they will be hosting a Burgers and BYO Beer evening on Thursday, 10 December. Isabel’s Place, The Forbes Inn, and the Vandenberg Hotel will be open for trade and dinner as well.

“Wander the shops and make a start on your Christmas shopping while enjoying the cooler evenings and the wonderful Christmas window decorations in the CBD. Many of the businesses have many wonderful items and exciting new stock in stores,” said Marg.

The Christmas Window Competition is a public competition with the public being asked to vote on their favourite windows. The categories are: Best Business Window, Best Innovative Display and Viewer’s Choice. Businesses from outside of the CBD are encouraged to participate. All you need to do is register your business entry by emailing forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com and attach an image of your window.

“People will be asked to click on the image on Facebook to vote for the Viewer’s Choice. You have until Sunday, 13 December to place your vote. There are three $200 Why Leave Town cards to be won. The windows must be completed by Friday, 4 December as judging will take place between 5 and 12 December. Winners will be announced on Monday, 14 December,” said Marg.

Free Online Workshop Helps Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers

December 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Learner driver Jordan Moody will keep our roads safe with the right advice from supervisors and parents.

Forbes, Parkes, and Lachlan Shire Councils will be hosting another online workshop for parents and other supervisors of local learner drivers, full of practical advice and information about completing the 120 hours of supervised driving.

The free Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers workshop is scheduled for Thursday, 10 December from 6pm.

Forbes, Parkes, and Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said while the usual face to face workshops weren’t possible due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the online delivery will hopefully make it more easily accessible for participants to attend.

“We held two of these online workshops back in August and had a great response from across the region. Parents and supervisors of learner drivers have a crucial role to play in making our roads safer. That is why we have teamed up with Transport for NSW and the Councils across the Western Region to hold another one of these workshops via Zoom,” Melanie said.

Participants can attend from the safety and comfort of their own home. The estimated run time is around one hour and 15 minutes.

The workshop covers the licencing system, how to use the Learner Driver Log-book, including the use of digital logbooks, licence conditions for learner and P-plate drivers, the benefits of on-road driving sessions, tips on supervising a learner driver, and much more.

“Parents and supervisors who have attended this workshop in the past have found that it boosted their confidence, helped them better plan driving sessions and allowed them to share their experiences with other parents and supervisors,” Melanie said.

Bookings are essential and can be made online via Eventbrite, through the Councils’ Facebook pages or by calling Melanie Suitor on 02 6861 2364.

Mayoral Notes

December 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

It is wonderful to report Templar Street is now open and our new planter boxes are in place. Our teams have worked tirelessly to get it open this week and I thank them all for putting in the time and effort to get the job done. I also want to thank the businesses in the area for their patience whilst the work has been completed. I know it will take a little bit of time to get used to the nose in parking, but it will create a nicer environment for alfresco dining in the street. People will say “we don’t have any alfresco dining in the street” but as a Council we are looking ahead to the future and want to create spaces like this that benefit both residents, retailers and visitors alike.

I hope you all are ready to hit the shops here in Forbes this Christmas shopping period. I have popped into the shops this week and there are so many wonderful gifts out there to buy. No need to travel out of town, we have it all here in spades!

This week new shade sails over the sheep yards at the Central West Livestock Exchange have been installed, which was greatly appreciated on Tuesday with the 40-degree temperatures experienced out there. We thank the NSW Government for the grant funding that enabled us to buy and install these.

That’s all for this week.
God Bless.
Your Mayor, Phyllis Miller

Kristen’s Dance Studio Gives A Helping Hand To Families And Sick Children

December 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

HELPING FORBES FAMILIES Lil Hodges, Matilda Crawley, Eliza Woods, and Kristen Woods paid a special visit to Ronald McDonald House in Orange to donate boxes full of items to support families from Forbes and the Central West.

Ronald McDonald House Charities in Orange received a beautiful surprise when the Principal of Kristen’s Dance Studio in Forbes, Kristen Woods, arrived at the house last week with a generous donation of boxes of games, activities, toiletries and vouchers for families and sick children.

“We just had a knock on the door and were greeted by Kristen with boxes and boxes of donated items for our family, it was wonderful,” said Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities Orange, Rebecca Walsh.

Kristen said her family has a special connection with Ronald McDonald House Charities as her sister was treated for several months at Westmead, with her family staying nearby at Ronald McDonald House many years ago.

“The donations for the Orange house are the result of the students dressing up for Halloween and donating,” Kristen said.

“We decided to split the donations between Orange and Westmead houses.”

“We are just so fortunate that we have a house in Orange now that is closer for our families,” she said.

Since Ronald McDonald House Charities Orange opened, 75 families from Forbes have stayed for a total of 235 nights while they access specialist care for their child at Orange Hospital.

All accommodation and services are provided to families free of charge for as long they need. This includes emergency meals, complimentary breakfasts, grocery items for families to self-cater, toiletries, and food and travel vouchers.

Over half of the 790 Central and Far-Western families that have stayed with RMHC Orange, have had a child or adolescent experiencing a mental health crisis requiring urgent treatment in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health ward located within Orange Hospital. It is the only specialist unit of its type located outside of Sydney.

Rebecca said due to the centralisation of specialist obstetric services to Orange, the
house in Orange had also experienced a marked increase in the number of women who need to come to Orange to give birth or be monitored during pregnancy.

“If pregnant mothers are sent to Orange for their check-up, they are offered overnight accommodation, so they don’t have to drive down and back in one day. Closer to delivery these women and their partner or family member stay with us for as long as required so they are close to hospital services,” Rebecca said.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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