Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Templar Street To Close For Weekend Road Works

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council has pushed ahead with the refurbishment of Templar Street with part road closures that were implemented on Wednesday, 28 October to Thursday, 29 October 2020. The whole of Templar Street will be closed to traffic during Sunday, 1 November, to enable the removal of the existing road base and preparation for the new base to be laid.

“The Northern side of the street, the Dentists side, was closed on Wednesday and Thursday while we removed the islands and pavers,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“This staged approach will ensure the least amount of disruption to our shopping district. Traffic control will be in place and we ask you be patient when in the area as there may be congestion.”

“On Sunday, the whole street will close, and the majority of the work can be done over the weekend, ensuring a minimal amount of disruption to trade and businesses. Our crews will be working around the beautiful trees we have existing in the street already and ensure they don’t receive any damage whilst the work is being carried out.”

“The current pavers will be crushed and then re-used in future road projects ensuring no waste will be incurred because of works being completed in Templar Street,” Phyllis said.

On Monday, 9 November the adjoining laneways of Collit and Meaghers Lane will have pedestrian diversions in place to enable Forbes Shire Council to install power in the vicinity.

The project is due for completion in December 2020. Forbes residents who require more information are encouraged to contact Forbes Shire Councils Major Projects Manager on 02 6850 2300.

Forbes Celebrating NAIDOC

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

NAIDOC celebrations will go ahead in Forbes in November.

The Forbes Aboriginal community has come together once again to plan a COVID-safe celebration for NAIDOC this year. Committee members from Yoorana Gunya, Binaal Billa, Forbes Wiradjuri Rangers, Amaroo, CatholicCare and Council as well as community members and representatives from local schools have joined forces to design a family-friendly celebration to be held at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre on Friday, 13 November from 4.30pm – 8pm.

The event will feature a range of free activities including traditional art, dancing, storytelling, and language as well as art and craft activities, jumping castles and bungee trampolines plus the chance to win some amazing prizes. There will be a range of food options available including a free barbecue and a variety of food vans to choose from.

“We are really excited to still be able to hold this event,” said Committee Chairperson Debbie Gaudie. “When we first started planning, we weren’t sure what would be happening with restrictions, but we have worked hard to make sure the event is COVID-safe for everyone and can still go ahead.”

“There will be plenty of hand sanitiser available, and we will be fencing off the entire event area with only one entry and one exit with QR code or paper sign in on entry. This will make sure we can manage numbers and make sure we have details for contact tracing as required by the State Government,” Debbie said. “All our activities will be run in a COVID-safe way.”

Attendees will be invited to complete a NAIDOC Celebration passport by completing each of the activities available on the day. The first 50 children to complete the activities on the day will win a fishing rod, kindly donated by DPI Fisheries. In addition, all completed passports will be entered into the draw to win an amazing prize pack from Forbes Shire Council.

Mayoral Notes

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Templar Street is coming along nicely and is on schedule for work to be completed by December, in time for the Christmas rush.

Our team has been mindful of the businesses in the area and the major works have been completed on a Sunday when the CBD is at its quietest.

This month Council, along with the Business Chamber, have celebrated Small Business Month and on Friday we are holding a Smarter and Stronger Business breakfast with special guest, Kristy Withers from Incy Interiors. As I keep telling you all, we need to support our local businesses and this year has been like no other starting with the drought, fires and now the COVID-19 pandemic, so we need to support one another more than ever.

Given we are heading into the Christmas shopping period, I would like to remind everyone we do have time limits on our CBD parking. Our businesses need parking spaces available for the passing trade as well as the elderly and disabled, so if you require to park all day, this is available in the All Day Parking area in Lawler Street. Our parking officers will be doing the rounds so be warned.

I met with Ronald McDonald House this week and next year on 25 March 2021 we ask you all to wear red and celebrate for this great cause. I will have more news to come on this closer to the date, stay tuned!

Until next week. God Bless.
Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Samantha Wins Trainee Of The Year

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Samantha Street was nominated by Forbes Shire Council for the United Services Unions “Trainee of the Year”.

Each year the United Services Union seeks nominations for the prestigious award of Trainee of the Year. This year Council union members of Forbes Shire Council nominated Samantha Street, their Biosecurity Trainee, to recognise her enthusiasm and commitment to her Council sponsored traineeship.

Samantha Street joined Council in May 2019 and has embraced her role as Trainee Biosecurity Officer, studying Certificate III in Conservation and Management.

“It was a huge move for Sam to relocate from her home city of Newcastle to join our Council,” says Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller, “but straight away she made herself known and began assisting community groups and volunteering her services. Sam’s sunny personality also makes her a popular work colleague and she puts 100% in all that she does.”

After finishing high school Sam worked in the retail sector while looking for a career to move into, then the opportunity arose at Forbes Shire Council for a Trainee Biosecurity Officer.

“It was such an exciting move for me,” said Samantha. “I wasn’t worried about leaving Newcastle and couldn’t wait for the chance to get my hands dirty!”

“I have been so fortunate to get loads of training whilst I have been here at Forbes Shire Council. I am completing a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management.”

Sam regularly visits family back in Newcastle, and loves the simple pleasures of going camping with friends and playing local sport on the weekends.

Our Gal – Danni Tuckerman

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in Forbes on and off for 26 years and I like the atmosphere, it’s relaxed compared to Wollongong, and affordable.

What was your first job? I worked at Pizza Hut in Albion Park.

What makes you laugh the most? The kids, because they are learning and doing funny things all the time.

If money were no object, what would you do with your time? Just hang out with the kids and play.

Describe your dream holiday? I have never thought about a dream holiday, I guess I would go somewhere cold like Antarctica for a week.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Wonderland.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? I’d probably move back to Wollongong to be honest, if there was an affordable option. There are a lot of activities for kids.

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

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? I would want to be super strong.

What is your pet hate? Mess.

Croquet Catch Up

October 23, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The annual general meeting was held at the Croquet club house on Tuesday, 13 October and the positions are as follows:
• President, Elvie Quirk
• Vice President, Keven Rubie
• Secretary, Colleen Leibich
• Treasurer, Elvie Quirk
• Assistant Treasurer, Marie Spry
• Publicity Officer, Tony Thomson
• Public Officer, John Browne
• Committee, Bill Scott, Dorelle Scott, John Browne, Neville Spry and Ray Burridge.

Golf Croquet
Thirty-five players turned up on a beautiful Tuesday morning for Golf Croquet. Because of the annual general meeting, only two games were played. The winners of two games were John Browne, Geoff Coles, Bruce Field, Sandy Hepburn, Jenny Job, Joan Littlejohn, Veva MacCullagh, Bob Murray, Robin Pols, Elvie Quirk and Alex Todd. Close games were played by:
• John Browne and Geoff Coles 7 defeated Libby Smart and Sally Perry 6.
• Sandy Helburn and Tony Thomson 7 defeated Dorelle Scott and Marie Spry 6.
• Robin Pols and Alex Todd 7 defeated Keven Rubie and Mary Hodge 6.
• Elvie Quirk and Jill Rubie 7 defeated Libby Smart and Bill Scott 6.

After the last game, a very special 90th birthday was celebrated for Joan Little- john with morning tea and a cake. Joan is still winning most of her games, well done Joan. Joan’s daughter and granddaughter were invited as special guests to help cel- ebrate the occasion.

Aussie Croquet
Twenty-nine players turned up for Aussie Croquet on Saturday, 17 October. The winners of three games were: John Browne, Ray Burridge, Geoff Coles and Joan Littlejohn.

Close games were played by:
• Robin Poles and Bill Scott 14 defeated Lyn Simmmons and John MacCoullagh 13.
• Bob Murry and Geoff Cokes 14 defeated Bob Scott and Harley Stewart 12.

By Pegging Out

Tussle For Club Championships

October 23, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The final two rounds of the Forbes Golf Club Championships were well supported, which pleased sponsors Lachlan Commodities and Pool Magic, and produced some tight tussles among the grades.

The battle for the A-Grade Championship came down to a final day head-to-head between John and Steve Betland. While the lead had changed on each of the previous rounds, Steve took command early in the front-9, and in the end finished five shots clear on 284 from John’s 289.

The A-Reserve Champion was Kim Herbert, who started the final day four shots ahead of Tim West. Kim stayed cool to finish with 326, and a handy lead over Brian Everest on 332.

The B-Grade Champion was an easy walk for Stephen Uphill, holding a 15-shot lead over Stuart French. On the final day Jordan Brett came storming home to finish second on 347 to Stephen Uphill by 20 shots.

In the C-Grade Ben Robinson had dominated for three days, but felt the tension on the final day, being hard pressed by Damien Kennedy. Ben managed to stumble home finishing with 358 ahead of Damien’s 362.

Other Championship winners were:
• Veterans Scratch Championship: Peter Dawson (302) over Kim Herbert (326).
• A-Grade Handicap: Michael Wood (279) over Steven Betland (288).
• B-Grade Handicap: Stephen Uphill (275) over Harrison Callaghan (291 on c/b).
• C Grade Handicap: Damien Kennedy (274) over Ben Robinson (278).
• Veterans Handicap: S Uphill (275) over K Herbert (286).
• Junior Encouragement Award: Lachlan Alley.

The 2020 VW Scramble is set for Sunday, 25 October with last minute team entries accepted.
Head Pro Adam has organised a Titleist Demonstration day scheduled for Monday, 9 November. Contact Adam for more details.

Saturday, 24 October is an Individual 18-Hole Par, sponsored by Peter Dawson. If numbers allow, a Stableford Medley will be run on Sunday.

By Short Putt

Netball News

October 23, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes netball courts were full of action again this week after the school holiday break.

The Spring Night competitions for both mixed and ladies’ teams continued with games in round three, with the weather now warming up, the FNA is preparing for the summer season.

There was a lot of action at the office, as players paid their competition levy for the coming season. Unfortunately, many teams still played with unregistered players, and the games will be forfeited.

The teams whose players on the court were all fully registered were Schofields, in the ladies’ division, and in the mixed division, Late Or Never. Both Schofields and Late Or Never have won on forfeits.

All other games were forfeited, as there were players who played without being fully registered.

Next week, team representatives must check with their team-mates, as players not fully registered will not be able to take the court. If team representatives are not sure of their players registration, they should come and check at the office.

COVID-19 restrictions are still in place, and if you are feeling unwell, please do not enter the courts.

Breast Cancer Won’t Wait For COVID

October 23, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Meg O’Brien, Manager BreastScreen NSW Western Region encourages women 50-74 to book their free mammogram this October.

BreastScreen NSW is encouraging women aged 50 to 74 to make their health a priority by booking a free life-saving mammogram this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Meg O’Brien of BreastScreen NSW Western Region said: “This Breast Cancer Awareness Month we want women in Western NSW Local Health District to make booking a breast screen a priority.”

“BreastScreen NSW has implemented a range of hygiene and social-distancing measures to ensure clinics and mobile screening vans are COVID-19 safe, to protect women, staff and the wider community.”

Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor David Currow said early detection is key to giving women the best chance of survival and reduces the likelihood of needing invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy.

An appointment with BreastScreen NSW is free, takes about 20 minutes in total and no doctor’s referral is needed. In addition to 46 BreastScreen NSW clinics, Breast-Screen NSW has 16 mobile vans that provide services to about 180 locations across NSW, including in rural and remote areas.

If you are aged 50 to 74 book your free mammogram today with BreastScreen NSW online at www.book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50.

Mayoral Notes

October 23, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Last week we had our October Council Meeting, and it was a very productive one. There was a lot of talk about solutions for our rubbish bins in our parks as well as the bins in Meaghers Lane.

The Ninja Park was discussed, we are looking into ensuring the equipment remains safe from flood waters. We know how excited everyone is for this to be built and we want to make sure it serves us for a long time.

Unfortunately, Australia Day 2021 will not be like previous years, but we will still celebrate. In the coming months we will be ask- ing you to nominate our amazing citizens. The fireworks will also go ahead, but from a different location, to ensure everyone can see it from their backyards.

You may have heard about the regional roads review the State Government is conducting. Council will not be handing back any of our regional roads to the State Government and we want you all to know we intend to keep these jobs in our community and keep our roads to a standard we need them to be.

Lastly, I would like to extend a huge congratulations to one of our local businesses, Woolerina, who have celebrated Ethical Clothing Australia Week this week. They have been accredited since 2013, meaning they ensure their workers receive fair pay, safe working conditions, and most of all, are appreciated. Well done Woolerina, we are very proud to have you in our Shire.

God Bless.
Your Mayor, Phyllis Miller

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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