Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Letter to the Editor

November 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Dear Editor,

Voices 4 Riverina is a community-based organisation encouraging participation in democracy.

We hold Kitchen Table Conversations in all areas of the federal electorate of Riverina, and invite people from Forbes to host a group of up to eight people in their own homes to contribute to a report being compiled to gather ideas, thoughts and visions about where they live.

All contributions remain anonymous and the final report will be presented to the current member so he has a wider appreciation of what concerns and interests his constituents.

Please call Pennie Scott on 0427 44 11 07 for further information and to register your interest to host a Kitchen Table Conversation.

Voices 4 Riverina can also be found and contacted on their Facebook page.

Yours sincerely,
Pennie Scott

Croquet Catchup

November 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

There was a very keen bunch of Croquet players, with 31 turning up on Tuesday, to play Golf Croquet wearing jackets and coats because of the weather. Thankfully, it soon warmed up and became a pleasant morning. The winners of three games were John Allegri, Ray Burridge, Mary Hodges, Colleen Liebich, Jill Rubie, and Mal Smith. Close games were:

• Colleen Liebich, Kevin Rubie 7, defeated Lorraine Todd and John Job 6.
• Ray Burridge and Marie Spry 7, defeated Lin Simmons and John MacCullagh 6.
• Mal Smith and Jill Rubie 7, defeated Merv Langfield and Judy Ellis 6.
• Dorele Scott and John Job 7, defeated Jenny Job and Merv Langfield 6.
• Barry White 7, defeated Bill Scott and John Farah 6.

Aussie Croquet
Unfortunately, it rained for the second week in a row on Saturday morning so the Aussie Croquet had to be cancelled again. One of our keen and long-time players, John Cole, did not feel well after playing last Tuesday and was taken to Sydney, where he had a Pacemaker put in. John is now home, feeling well and is keen to play again very shortly.

By Pegging Out

Be Seen

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

VW Scramble Winners Dan Bayley, Ben Robinson, Matt Roylance and Nick Greenhalgh with organiser Head Pro Adam Demidjuk.

Nu Walla Competition winner Hannah Harris.

Cowabunga dude! Margaretha Barnard from Parkes spot- ted this Lake Forbes local out for a stroll on Monday.

Snippets…

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes has seen many improvements this year which not only enriches the lives of residents, but also draws visitors to the town.

Veterans’ Employment Award Nominations: Riverina and Central West organisations which employ and support members of the Veteran community, or Veterans making a significant contribution to their workplace, are being encouraged to nominate for the 2021 Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards. More than 5,500 people leave the Australian Defence Force each year and the Federal Government’s aim is to ensure they can transition into civilian life effectively and find meaningful employment.

The Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program aims to raise employers’ awareness of the enormous value and experience Veterans can bring to the civilian workplace. Nominations for the awards are now open online and will close on 20 November 2020 with winners announced in 2021. For more information go to www.veteransemployment.gov.au.

Regional Tourism Boost: The Morrison-McCormack Government will inject $250 million into regional Australia, encouraging more Australians to travel and experience a home-grown holiday, boosting regional jobs and local economies. The package include two measures, a $50 million Regional Tourism Recovery initiative to assist businesses in regions heavily reliant on international tourism, and $200 million for an additional round of the Building Better Regions Fund.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the package would deliver targeted support for regional tourism. The aim is to help businesses bounce back by attracting more Australians, and then overseas visitors when our international borders re-open. Tourism is crucial in creating jobs which drive many regional economies. It is important that the tourism sector comes out in the best possible shape post COVID-19.

Federal funding has seen the improvement of existing tourism sights in and around Forbes, as well as the creation of many more. The funding has also gone into improving the functionality and aesthetic in town with many projects having come into fruition in 2020 alone.

Spring Photo Competition: Forbes residents have until Friday, 30 October to get their entries in for the Spring Photo Competition. Submissions can be made on the Forbes Phoenix Facebook page, or emailed to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au.

Saturday is the last day to get your entries in for the Spring Photo Compeition.

VW Scramble Winners

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Two Lefties take fire: Bary Parker and Frank Hanns playing in Saturday’s competition.

Weekend golf was busy with the VW Scramble on Sunday and a Men’s event on Saturday, with both events dodging rain.

The Scramble, a four person Ambrose event, was well supported by 18 teams, including teams from Young and Condobolin. Prizes were provided by Callaway Golf, with organisation by Head Pro Adam.

The winning team, comprising D Bayley, M Roylance, B Robinson and N Greenhalgh, scored 54 1/4 nett. Their score of 30-31-61 included an eagle on the 6th and ten birdies. Runners-up were A Currey, C Hurford, B Woonton and G Falvey with a nett score of 56 3/4.

Third place went to B Slack-Smith, B Tooth, and K and H Steele-Park with a score of 58 nett, and fourth place went to B Scott, D Scott, A Tooth and M Hawker with a nett 58 1/4. The 3rd hole super pin went to Dan Bayley.

Saturday’s competition was an Individual Par, sponsored by Peter Dawson, contested by a field severely depleted by the early heavy rain. The 25 players were spread nearly evenly across two divisions.

The Division One result required a count back, which saw Mike Spice take the win from Todd Callaghan and the Division Two was won by Brett Slack-Smith with Barry Parker taking runner-up.

Two Forbes teams ventured to Dubbo Golf Club on Sunday to participate in the Regional Finals of the KENO ‘Let’s Play’ 2-P Ambrose. Carolyn and Brianna Duncan did well with 72 nett to finish second in the Women’s Division, while John Betland and Nicole Death finished 8th in the Mixed Division with 69 nett.

The Club’s AGM will be held on Tuesday, 1 December, upstairs in the Golfie Hotel.

Saturday, 31 October will be the ‘Kristie Carpenter Memorial Trophy’, an Individual Stableford Medley and Sunday, 1 November has a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Netball News

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Round five of the Forbes Netball Spring Night Competitions for both mixed and ladies’ teams were played this week. There are some teenagers who are wanting to play netball and are either looking for a team to play with, or extra players to start up a new team in mixed.

If anyone would like to come and have fun playing netball Wednesday nights, please email Secretary Mon at secretary.forbesnetball@gmail.com

The competitions will be played through until finals on Monday, 2 December, be- tween the two top teams on the point score ladder. Unfortunately, there were players who played last week and were not registered and caused their team to forfeit their game. All players must be fully registered to be able to take the court.

Registration includes the registration to Netball NSW, online through MyNetball, plus the competition levy of $50 per player per team for the first competition and $40 for the second competition played. The competition fees are paid in cash at the office on Wednesday nights.

Teams that forfeited their game last week in the Ladies competition were Mixed Bunch and Speculators. In Mixed competition, Easy Win, Late Or Never, forfeited VCR.

Players will not be able to take the court this week, until fully registered. All team representatives are asked to please come to the office on Wednesday night and update their players team nomination forms.

Players are reminded that the FNA COVID-19 Safety Plan is still in place. Teams are asked to please supply their own positional patches if they have them.

Business On The Up

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW’s quarterly Business Conditions Survey has revealed the first bounce in business confidence in a year. The survey shows business perceptions about the performance of the NSW economy rebounded strongly from the record low recorded in June.

“The outlook has also improved, with businesses expecting further lifts in the economy for the remainder of 2020,” said Business NSW, Regional Manager Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe.

“While business services, hospitality and tourism businesses are heavily impacted overall, business performance in these industries varies dramatically depending on location and type of customers serviced. Many businesses are about to enter a difficult period as support measures are tapered back; however, it promises to see a strong foundation for recovery emerging in the region.”

The easing of drought conditions led to a boost in the Agricultural sector, this, alongside increased domestic tourism, has helped to bolster the outlook for businesses in Western NSW.

A Horse Drawn Carriage Ride For Jemalong Residents

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jemalong residents enjoying their My Wish, a horse drawn carriage ride through the countryside.

Delighted residents from Jemalong Residential Village in Forbes were recently treated to a horse drawn carriage ride through the countryside as part of Catholic Healthcare’s My Wish program. For the residents, the experience was nostalgic and an opportunity to reminisce, share stories and bond with each other.

Acting Lifestyle Manager, Bec Higgs said, “It was a wonderful and memorable day. We couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather. The grand carriage drawn by two beautiful Percheron Draft horses was visually mesmerising. The residents were elated and the experience was enjoyed by everyone.”

Residents were taken around Jemalong, along a country road in a rural neighbouring field to a quaint little cottage and back again. Resident Jack said, “I haven’t done this in decades. I used to work with horses every day, and it’s good to be in their company again.”

“On the day, the Home was abuzz with hype and activity and everyone at Jemalong enjoyed the experience. For residents who didn’t want to go on a ride, we made sure there was time in the day to meet the horses, talk to the driver and the lady who owned them,” Bec said.

Croquet Catch-Up

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

On Tuesday, 20 October there were 32 players to play Golf Croquet on a very pleasant morning. The winners of three games were John Browne, Bob Murray, Kevin Rubie, Dorelle Scott, Mal Smith, Denny Smith, and Tony Thomson. The closest games played were:

• Lorraine Todd and Tony Thomson 7, defeated Elvy Quirk and Ray Burridge 6.
• Denny Smith and Marie Spry 7, defeated Evelyn Mahlo 6.
• John MacCullagh and Libby Smart 7, defeated Robin Pols and Sandy Hepburn 6.
• Alex Todd and Bob Murray 7, defeated Joan Littlejohn and Merv Langfield 6.
• John Browne and Lyn Simmons 7, defeated Sally Perry and Jenny Job 6.
• Dorelle Scott and Evelyn Mahlo 7, defeated Joan Littlejohn and Geoff Coles 6.
• Merv Langfield and Dorelle Scott 7, defeated Alex Todd and Ray Burridge 6.
• Robin Pols and Vince Roberts 7, defeated Elvy Quirk and Lyn Simmons 6.
• Kevin Rubie and John Job 7, defeated Dorelle Scott and Sally Perry 6.
• Marie Spry and Denny Smith 7, defeated Joan Littlejohn and John Job 6.
• Dorelle Scott and Ray Burridge 7, defeated Harley Stewart and Veva MacCullagh 6.
• John Browne and Bob Murray 7, defeated Robin Pols and Merv Langfield 6.
• John MacCullagh and Tony Thomson 7, defeated Joan Littlejohn and John Job 6.

Remain Vigilant As Restrictions Are Eased

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

As New South Wales marks three million COVID-19 tests since January, the NSW Government is calling on the community to continue to work together to fight the deadly virus.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard warned that while recent easing of restrictions is very welcome, it comes with risks and it is critical everyone keeps getting tested.

“This is a stealthy virus and if we give it an inch, it will take a mile and undo a lot of good work,” Brad said, “I thank the people of NSW for their efforts and sacrifices during the past nine months, which have put us in a position where we have been able to ease restrictions.”

The NSW Government aims to be able to continue to ease restrictions in the weeks and months ahead, but this depends on us being successful in minimising community transmission.

As of 8pm on 26 October 2020, 3,000,641 COVID-19 tests had been performed on 2,247,101 people in NSW. Of those people tested, 63.7 per cent had a single test and 36.3 per cent had more than one test. NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it was critical that people continue to come forward for testing and practice COVID-safe behaviours when out and about.

“When we have high numbers of people continuing to get tested, that allows us to detect cases in the community earlier and prevent onward transmission,” Kerry said.

“Get tested at the first sign of even the mildest of symptoms, wash your hands regularly, physically distance and wear a mask when using public transport and in places where you can’t physically distance.”

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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