Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Spring Travellers Welcomed To Forbes

October 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The spring school holidays always brings a plethora of visitors to the Central West and 2020 is no exception. The canola fields are in full bloom and the warmer weather has families and travellers itching to breathe the beautiful fresh country air. The Forbes Visitor Information Centre welcomes the travelling public to call in to find out more about amazing Forbes.

“We extend a warm welcome to travellers and invite them to pop in to our amazing Visitor Information Centre here in Forbes,” says Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “All the COVID-19 protocols are in place with signing in, limited numbers allowed in the building at one time because of social distancing and hand sanitising before entry. We want to ensure our staff are kept safe as well as the travellers themselves.”

“The recent sculpture installed, Varanus, or Gugaa, by artist Glen Star, is drawing crowds from all over. We have received many queries regarding the location and ask the community to help direct tourists to the location as the new signage has not been installed yet. The 20-metre long sculpture sits at Gum Swamp off Greens Road.”

Tourism is key to the Forbes economy and local businesses rely on the trade of travellers to keep their doors open however, the protocols in place must be followed in order to maintain public health and safety during this time. “Forbes has not had a case at all since the beginning of the pandemic and we would like to keep it this way,” Phyllis said.

The operating hours of the Visitor Information Service are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, closed weekends and public holidays.

Youth Should Be Seen And Heard

October 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Young leaders, youth organisations and relevant government agencies are invited to provide their views to help shape the National Youth Policy framework.

Results of the online survey will help shape the priorities, policies and programs which affect youth.

Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack MP said this is particularly important as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a widespread impact. “Many young Australians are dealing with disruptions to their education, sudden unemployment, mental health issues and economic insecurity within the family,” Michael said.

“We are now providing young Australians, particularly those aged 15 to 24, with an opportunity to give direct advice on the development of the framework and ultimately, a meaningful contribution to the policies that affect them.”

The involvement of young voices will be used to create a framework that aims to improve the lives of young Australians in the Central West. The month-long consultation will help the Government identify any gaps or barriers experienced by young people which prevent them from fully participating in Australian society.

The survey can be found: www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/the-national-youth-policy-framework#have-your-say

What is your signature dish?

October 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jes Evans: Cauliflower and broccoli soup.

Laura Hassell: Beef Stroganoff, but it is a three-hour affair.

Judy Patton from Derriwong with grandsons Huxley and Kit Beard: French vanilla slice would be my signature dish.

Insisting On Assisting

October 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes CanAssist Treasurers Murray and Maureen Field, and President John Schrader received a donation from Sue Cunningham on behalf of the Forbes CWA Evening Branch.

Forbes and Parkes CanAssist groups received generous donations from Forbes CWA Evening Branch last week to help them deliver the valuable financial support to locals who are battling cancer.

COVID-19 has prevented CanAssist groups from raising funds this year, so any donations have been welcomed with immense gratitude. Due to restrictions, the CanAssist groups in Parkes and Forbes were unable to run their normal fundraising events.

Forbes CWA Evening Branch President, Karen Wright who works with cancer patients in both Forbes and Parkes, saw the benefit of her patients wearing masks and so began making some to distribute to them.

“Initially, the idea was to give patients masks, but then staff at Parkes and Forbes Hospitals asked if they could purchase them and it snowballed from there,” explained Karen. Forbes CWA Evening Branch members and other volunteers got together and formed a working bee over a weekend to meet the demand.

Karen said, “It was a community effort as some ladies donated material, while others cut out the patterns, and those with sewing skills spent a few days sewing to make the masks.”

The number of masks made is not known as many were given away before people asked to purchase them.

When it came time for the money raised from the sale of the masks to be distributed Forbes CWA Evening Branch decided that it was fitting that the proceeds be divided equally between both Parkes and Forbes CanAssist groups.

Mr John Schrader, President of the Forbes CanAssist said they were very appreciative of the $650 donation as did the representative of the Parkes group. “Funds that CanAssist raise is all used to support locals in their cancer battles,” he said. “None of it goes to pay for administration or head office or anywhere else. It all stays in the local community to support locals.”

All CanAssist money allows these dedicated workers to contribute towards trans- porting patients to appointments, their medications and chemist bills. Sometimes they assist clients with vehicle registrations, mechanical repairs, or even new tyres so people can travel to out of town appointments safely and on occasions contribute to some accommodation and other practical things.

With so many changes this year, it is inspiring to see how community groups and organisations in Forbes have adapted, particularly the Forbes CWA, with their ongoing efforts to better support so many in the Forbes community.

Celebrating Mental Health Month

October 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

It has been a most challenging year, with bushfires and a pandemic topping off years of extreme drought and financial hardship for many across Central Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD).

WNSWLHD Director of Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, Jason Crisp said, “Now more than ever it is extremely important to be talking and thinking about our mental health.”

“For the first time the WNSWLHD Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Services team have developed a calendar full of activities to celebrate Mental Health Month, during the month of October, the calendar has been especially put together for both carers and consumers,” Jason said.

“This awareness month encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have a lived experience of mental illness or not.” Jason urges everyone to seek support early for their mental health and hopes that these programs are able to increase awareness about mental health and how to best obtain support.

Because of the current Public Health Orders, and government restrictions the activities will be offered through virtual services, including video conferences and teleconferences.

“Some of the events include hearing about the peer workforce, being a young carer, older people’s mental health, and yarning with aboriginal carers just to name a few.”

“We hope you enjoy what is on offer for the month, it is an excellent line up of educational opportunities with some great presenters who are experts in their fields and very interesting guest speakers.”

“I encourage everyone to join us and share with your family and friends,” Jason said.

Mayoral Notes

October 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Federal Budget was delivered this week and it has delivered tax cuts for everyone, more support for our aged and welfare recipients and interestingly, incentives for creating jobs. This is great for our Shire in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, medicine, recycling, farming, and tourism. Incentives are being offered to encourage employers to hire staff and invest in growing their businesses. It is a real win for infrastructure, our youth, and small business.

We are asking the community for names of our new subdivision in Edwards Street and we would like to know what you would like to call this estate. Given agriculture is such a strong and important part of the fabric of our community we are honouring that with the street names being grain types. You do need to voice your suggestions through our “Your Say” portal to have your suggestions count. There is a link on our website at the bottom of the homepage, www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

How great are school holidays in Forbes!

The children have had so many fun activities to go to like laser tag, rock painting, tie dye workshops, and making flower crowns and scrunchies. The Forbes and District Soccer Club held a two-day workshop as well. Having a family in Forbes is made so easy with these wonderful activities available, not to mention all the wonderful parks and playgrounds we have too.

There has been a new sculpture installed in Albion Park and you must all go and have a look. It is beautiful and the message behind it is one we must all take on board. “I Welcome You with Love”, it represents loyalty, love and a sense of belonging, a beautiful message we would like to present to our Shire.

I would like to finish by wishing all the Year 12 students the best of luck with the HSC next week. God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Croquet Chat

October 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

A milestone for Merv Langfield as he cuts his 90th birthday cake with the help of his wife Ula.

Golf Croquet 29 September
It was a nice morning for croquet with 29 players on the courts. For the first time, no player won three games. Either the competition is getting better or everyone had an off day. Some of the closest games on the day were:
• Colleen Liebich, Libby Smart 7, defeated Tony Thomson,Sandy Hepburn 6.
• Bill Scott 7, defeated Alec Todd, Geoff Coles 6.
• Lyn Simmonds 7, defeated Judy Ellis 6.
• Kevin Rubie, John Job 8, defeated Jenny Job, Evelyn Mahlo 5.
• Bob Murray, Jeff Liebich 7, defeated Mary Hodges, Joan Littlejohn 6.
• Dorelle Scott, John Farah 7, defeated Merv Langfield, Mal Smith 6.
• John Browne, Jeff Liebich 7, defeated Joan Littlejohn, Robin Pols 6.
• Sandy Hepburn, John Job 7, defeated Marie Spry, Alec Todd 6.
• Elvy Quirk, John Farah 7, defeated John Brown, Lyn Simmonds 6.

Aussie Croquet 3 October
Saturday was a lovely day for Aussie Croquet. Thirty players were on the courts and the winners of three games were: John Browne, Joan Littlejohn, Lyn Simmonds, Libby Smart and Harley Stewart. The closest scores on the day were:
• Barry White, Bob Murray 14, defeated Lorraine Todd, Bill Scott 11.
• Neville Spry, Tony Thomson 14, defeated Dorelle Scott, John Farah 11.
• Ray Burridge, Geoff Coles 14, defeated John Job, John Allegri 11.
• John Browne 14, defeated Kevin Rubie 10.
• Harley Stewart, Colleen Liebich 14, defeated Barry White, Neville Spry 11.
• Merv Langfield, Libby Smart 14, defeated Marie Spry, Bill Scott 12.
• John Farah, Lyn Simmonds 14, defeated Tony Thomson 11.
• Jill Rubie, Jeff Liebich 14, defeated John Allegri, John Job 13.
• Elvy Quirk, John MacCullagh 14, defeated Judy Ellis, Robin Pols 11.

Medal Win By Churchill’s Hot Score

October 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Al Rees playing form among the trees again.

On Saturday, the Men’s October Monthly Medal, sponsored by Forbes Concrete, was contested by a field of 67 players. The scoring was initially slow but hotted up later.

Adam Currey easily took the A-Grade with 68 nett, and quite a way ahead of Shane Sallaway, on 71 nett. The best round of the day went to B-Grade winner Doug Churchill with a ‘hot’ nett 64, and a dominant performance overall. Runner-up was Connor Greenhalgh with 71 nett, getting there on count back.

The C-Graders scored well also, with winner Harrison Callaghan getting 67 nett, closely followed by John Ridley on 68 nett, but only by virtue of count back from Bruce Chandler.

Members of the Forbes Nissan Classic Committee relax after selling drinks and food to the Saturday golfers. Mike Sutcliffe, Barry Shine and John Betland were exhausted.

The ball sweep went to 75 nett on count back, going to: 68, B Chandler; 69, A Rees; 70, G Drane, L Little; 71, S Uphill; 72, J Dobell; 73, P Grayson, J Roylance, L O’Connor; 74, G Betland, N Ryan, D Earl; 75, D Burton, W Judge, P Wells, T Callaghan, S Kirkman, P Kay.

Al Rees spent a lot of time among the trees, courtesy of an errant driver, but was ecstatic to chip in from the trees on the 13th for a birdie.

The Sunday Stableford Medley had a moderate field that finished quite close. Rob Webb took the honours with 33 points and a count back win over Ray Taylor.

George Falvey relaxes in the sun before his game.

The Monday Stableford Medley had a better field and better scores. Ethel Coombs won the day with 35 points, on count back from Dan Bayley.

The ASI-sponsored 2020-21 Summer Sixes competition commences on Monday, 12 October, with team entries and handicapping rounds being accepted now.

The 2020 VW Scramble is coming up on Sunday, 25 October. Get your registrations in, either online or through the Pro Shop. Talk to Adam for more details.

Saturday, 10 and Sunday, 11 October are the first two rounds of the Club Championships. Players are required to ensure their card is correctly completed before they hand it in.

By Short Putt

NAIDOC Celebrations In 2020

October 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

NAIDOC week celebrations will go ahead but will look slightly different this year.

The Forbes community will be celebrating NAIDOC in November 2020, however COVID-19 protocols will be in place. On 13 November 2020, a limited number of the community will be welcomed to the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre to attend the presentation of the 2020 awards and celebrate with traditional performances, arts, craft, and activities.

This year’s theme is Always Was, Always Will Be, and it will celebrate the rich history, amazing culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Forbes community.

“We are so fortunate to be able to still celebrate this amazing event this year,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “COVID-19 has cancelled many events across the country but we feel we can manage this one safely here in Forbes. The event will go ahead, although strict restrictions will be in place to ensure everyone’s safety and the numbers will be reduced to comply with health regulations,” Phyllis said.

While schools across the Forbes Shire will not be joining in Council’s NAIDOC celebrations, they will celebrate within their own environments in their own unique ways.

“It is also important we award our outstanding citizens for all that they have achieved over the last year and encourage others to go above and beyond in the community. I really love to hear the incredible achievements of our award nominees and I encourage everyone to nominate someone who does fit the bill,” Phyllis said.

The Forbes NAIDOC Week 2020 Awards are now open for nominations in the following categories:
• Indigenous Person of the Year, 18 years and over.
• Indigenous Youth of the Year, Under 18 years.
• Indigenous Sports Person of the Year.
• Indigenous Creative Person of the Year.
• Indigenous Community Member of the Year, Volunteer.

Award nomination forms can be found on Councils website: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au. Nominations close 5pm 30 October.

Snippets…

October 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Be on the lookout for the critically endangered Swift Parrot for Local Land Services NSW.

Spring Bird Watching Competition: Local Land Services NSW are on the hunt, looking for citizen scientists to monitor our most vulnerable birds, in fact all birds, after the long drought and extensive bushfires. This helps Land Services to understand how these birds are coping.

The competition requires registration and for entrants to complete at least one, 20-minute survey in their community or at home. A bird watching kit will be provided upon registration.

This competition celebrates Threatened Species Day and aims to shine the spotlight on some of the threatened bird species found in the Central West Local Land Services region with a special focus on the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater.

There are 28 prizes on offer for 28 lucky entries. Prizes include bird-related goodies such as binoculars, field guides, artworks, and clothing. The competition closes on Monday, 12 October.

Mental Health Week Webinar: Rural Aid announced the October theme for its regular primary producer webinar, where skilled counsellors present on timely topics affecting farmers and rural communities.

This upcoming webinar is being held next week during Mental Health Week in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, and Mental Health Month in New South Wales and Victoria where the focus in 2020 is “Strengthening Our Community”.

Rural Aid says their webinars are about strengthening rural communities too, through improving access to resources for farmers. ‘On the Couch with Rural Aid Counsellors’ is a webinar series tackling key topics and themes related to farmer welfare and life on the land.

Next week, Central West New South Wales counsellor Zoe Cox will host a session at 6pm on 14 October on the topic of strengthening relationships and navigating conflict in stressful times. Primary producers, farming families and rural counsellors are encouraged to register for the 60 minute live sessions at https://www.ruralaid.org.au/counselling/

Spring Photo Competition: It is that time of year again. The Forbes Phoenix is running its annual Spring Photo Competition, and we are looking for your best and brightest spring snaps taken in and around beautiful Forbes. This year, Sarah Hodge from Essjay Photography is sponsoring the competition. Submissions can be made on the Forbes Phoenix Facebook page, or emailed to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au. Entries are being accepted until the end of October 2020.

Time is running out to get your entries in for our Spring Photo Competition.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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