Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Be Road Ready For Harvest Field Day

September 18, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Updated information for harvesters, farmers, machinery retailers and transporters will ensure all are road ready for harvest.

Farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies and agricultural machinery retailers are invited to attend the Be Road Ready For Harvest Virtual Field Day via Zoom on Thursday, 24 September from 8am.

Forbes, Parkes, and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that while the usual face to face Field Day at the Central West Livestock Exchange wasn’t possible due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the online delivery will hopefully make it more easily accessible for participants to attend.

“For the first time in about three years it is looking like we are going to have a good harvest. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, the organising committee realise it is important to refresh people’s knowledge about the new and current rules and regulations for legally and safely moving harvest equipment on the road.”

“Safety during harvest is very important, meaning operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that during harvest all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to,” Melanie said.

Regulations have changed since last harvest and access arrangements have been replaced and it is important to understand these changes.

Topics which will be discussed include how to apply for permits, the new National Agricultural Machinery Notice, load restraint, pilots, the Grain Harvest Management Scheme, COVID-19 Safety Plan for silos, border restrictions and much more.

“The first 20 people to register will receive a free cuppa! And by taking part in a short road safety quiz you could win one of threeEngel car fridges valued at $190,” Melanie said.

Registration is free and can be completed via the Parkes, Forbes, or Lachlan Shire Councils’ Facebook pages.

Attendees will all receive a Moving Harvest Machinery 2020 USB, which contains most of the relevant notices and information about moving agricultural machinery on the road.

The Be Road Ready For Harvest Field Day has been running since 2010 and usually attracts about 60 attendees. Organisers are hoping for similar numbers to this year’s virtual event.

To Apply Now For 2021 Country Arts Support Program Funding

September 18, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Arts OutWest is encouraging local not for profit groups to apply for the 2021 round of Country Arts Support Program funding.

The State Government’s annual Country Arts Support Program (CASP) provides small grants to arts and community organisations in regional NSW to run their own lo- cal arts projects and the 2021 applications close on Tuesday, 29 September 2020.

“CASP funds are a valuable way to start local arts projects,” Arts OutWest executive director Tracey Callinan said. “This funding is about giving regional people access to a diverse range of arts activities made for and by the local community.”

CASP grants of up to $3,000 are available and are primarily to cover professional artist’s fees, travel and accommodation.

Projects could include workshops, arts activities as part of festivals or events, artist-in-residence programs, public art and design projects, exhibitions, forums or seminars or other local arts initiatives. Projects can be designed to be face-to-face or online.

“Of course, 2021 will probably be a different version of ‘normal’, but if you’ve got a great project in mind, and the capacity to deliver it, we think you should apply,” Tracey said.

The funding is open to all incorporated associations, not just those focused on the arts. Unincorporated groups or collectives of artists can find a local organisation to auspice their funding. Likewise, if an individual artist has a project in mind they can team up with a local group.

There were six projects funded by CASP in the Central West in 2020.

To apply, groups must discuss their project with Arts OutWest before submitting an online application. Read the full criteria at https://www.create.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/arts-and-cultural-funding-program/casp/ and contact Arts OutWest on 02 6338 4657 or artsoutwest@csu.edu.au.

The Country Arts Support Program is a NSW Government program through Create NSW.

Wenz Collection Moves

September 18, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Paul and Hettie Wenz Collection of books that has resided at the Forbes Library since the early 1960s has been relocated to the Forbes Museum and is now under the care of the Forbes & District Historical Society.

Volunteers from the Forbes Museum collected the boxes of books this week. A written assessment of the Wenz collection was published in 2005 by Consultant Historian Dr Stephen Gapps, and is available online.

The Forbes and District Historical Museum is located at 11 Cross Street, Forbes. Opening hours are 2.00pm to 4.00pm daily and other times by arrangement. The Museum houses a large display of old historic machinery including an Ivel tractor. Showcased is an array of items depicting all facets of the history of Forbes including Aboriginal artefacts, furniture, tools, clothing, and household wares. A large selection of historical photographs are also on display. The Museum’s digital photographic database can be viewed online at www.pictorialforbes.org.au.

4BBB Score Record

September 18, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

“Where did that go,” says Peter Grayson.

The Saturday competition was an 18-Hole 4BBB Stableford Medley, sponsored by Cahill’s Footwear. One pair among the 100 players managed a record score for this type of event, finishing well ahead of the field.

The overall winners were Harrison Callaghan and Warren Baxter, who both used their agile bodies and handicaps to score 58 points. This is an unofficial record, due to the ‘Preferred Lie’ rule, but is way ahead of the previous record. The runners-up were Tim and Graham West who combined to score 47 points. They parred each par-3 except the last.

The highest Ladies’ pairing, finishing fifth on the leader board, was Robin Lyell and Lindy Pollock, with 45 points. The highest placed mixed pairing was Shirley Redfern and Alf Watts on 42 points in 19th place.

The ball sweep went to 43 points on count back, so check in the Pro Shop to see if you were successful.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – Ladies’ R Carroll and Men’s J Roylance; 18th – Ladies’ V Rebellato and Men’s H Callaghan. The 3rd – hole Super Pin went to Scott Kirkman.

The Sunday Stableford Medley had a tidy field, which was displaced by the brief rain period that occurred through the middle of the day. The eventual winner was Rob Webb with 33 points, over Denise Squires on 23 points.

Planning is being undertaken in preparation for the Rotary Charity Day scheduled for Sunday, 27 September. Watch the notice boards for more information on this as COVID-19 regulations will apply.

Committee elections are coming up, so please give some thought to nominating and help in the running of the Club.

Saturday, 19 September is an 18-Hole 4BBB Stableford MultiplierStroke, sponsored by Forbes Tuesday Golfers. Sunday, 20 September has a Stableford Medley, while the Parkes Open has been cancelled.

By Short Putt

Our Gal – Jacinda Acheson

September 18, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? All my life, I love the people and everything about Forbes.

What was your first job? I worked in the Chemist, Michael Flannery’s.

What makes you laugh the most? My husband.

If money were no object, what would you do with your time? Probably still work.

Describe your dream holiday? Anywhere on the beach, with nothing to do and no distractions.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Probably living on the farm, being carefree and not having to worry about anything.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? I’d stay here and now.

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

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Invisibility.

What is your pet hate? People chewing their nails, I hate it, it’s horrible.

Mayoral Notes

September 18, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

It has been an exciting week this week with the preparation of Council elections for Mayor and Deputy at our Council Meeting. We were due for the term elections to take place this year but with COVID-19 the State Government has put this on hold until next year on September 4, 2021. At the time of writing this column the election has not taken place yet, so we will let you know next week the outcome of the votes.

The first round of Community Funding has closed, and the results were quite incredible with 40 applications received totalling around $163,000. Unfortunately, the round has only $50,000 in funding available to give, so the decision will be a difficult one. Applicants will be notified soon whether they were successful or not.

Next week the ‘Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day’ is going to be a virtual experience as we can’t meet in person due to COVID. I invite you all to register online to be a part of this great event as it is looking like we are in for an amazing harvest this year. The crops are looking great after the recent rains and I think our farmers are breathing a sigh of relief after the years of drought we have had.

Templar Street works are well underway, as you would have noticed, and is on track for completion before December. We apologise for the noise and disruption people are experiencing at the moment, but we can assure you that it is all for a great cause, the street will be amazing! There will be 24 car parking spaces, so no loss there, and the traffic will remain two ways. Accessibility will be easier as the street will all be on the one level and the CBD will be transformed into an inviting and welcoming place for residents and tourists alike.

Until next week God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Croquet Catch Up

September 18, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Golf Croquet Tuesday, 8 September
With the start of Spring and with the sun shining, 31 players graced the courts. Not a bad turn out for the matches.

Six players won their three games. They were: John Browne, Sandy Hepburn, Robin Pols, Jill Rubie, Alec Todd, and Harley Stewart. The closest games on the day were:
• Barry White, Denny Smith 7, defeated Mary Hodges, Sally Perry 6.
• John Browne 7, defeated Bill Scott, Mal Smith 6.
• Sandy Hepburn, Joan Littlejohn 8, defeated Bruce Field 5.
• Elvy Quirk, Robin Pols 7, defeated Neville Spry, John Farah 6.
• Neville Spry, John Allegri 7, defeated Geoff Coles, Libby Smart 6.
• Lorraine Todd, Bruce Field 7, defeated E Mahlo, Joan Littlejohn 6.

Aussie Croquet Saturday, 12 September
It was a very competitive morning for the Aussie Croquet. Six players won their three games. Congratulations to Elizabeth Mclean who did this for the first time. Well done to Kevin Rubie who has accomplished this feat more than any other player. Other players with three wins on the day were: Harley Stewart, John Browne, John MacCullagh and Marie Spry. Closest scores were:
• Lorraine Todd, Elizabeth McLean 14, defeated Merv Langfield, Roz Rennick 12.
• John Browne 14, defeated Tony Thomson 11.
• Joan Littlejohn, Libby Smart 14, defeated Jill Rubie, Elvy Quirk 11.
• John Allegri, John MacCullagh 14, defeated Ray Burridge 13.
• Geoff Coles, Tony Thomson 14, defeated Barry White, Lorraine Todd 13.
• Marie Spry, Robin Pols 14, defeated Roz Rennick, Colleen Liebich 11.
• Elizabeth McLean, Joan Littlejohn 14, defeated Neville Spry, John Allegri 10.
• Jill Rubie, Jeff Liebich 14, defeated Bill Scott, Sandy Hepburn 10.

Men’s Shed On The Home Stretch

September 18, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Treasurer Peter Norris and President Norm Haley have worked tirelessly to see the new facility complete.

The new Forbes Men’s Shed is in its final stages of completion since its inception in May 2018. Members were able to move into the new shed on Monday, 3 August 2020 however they are still working on improvements for the facility.

The new facility, which is self-sufficient with water and run partially by solar power, can now comfortably host 50 people in their new dining room. Along with workshops, cards, and health programs, the space will also be used for relaxation with a small library in the works.

Since the start, some 13 years ago, membership has steadily grown however, COVID-19 restrictions which limited activities of the organisation saw numbers decrease this year. President Norm Haley predicts numbers will rise again and is also encouraging younger residents of Forbes to join, with the shed accepting members from ages 12 and up. “It’s here for anyone wanting to join,” Norm says.

The new Shed is well equipped to be utilised by its members for a variety of activities. “It’s expanded our foresight for work related jobs, with room to adapt new health programs which will hopefully be an enormous asset to men in Forbes,” said Norm.

The Men’s Shed members are currently working on a number of repair and construction jobs for the Forbes community and are always up for a challenge.

By encouraging mateship and open communication about both physical and mental health, the Men’s Shed is an invaluable community resource.

New Collaboration To Tackle Mental Health In Forbes

September 18, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Di Gill, Tom Norris, Mayor Phyllis Miller, Claire Nicholson, Mayor Ken Keith, Ross Williams and Marg Applebee. Photo: Jenny Kingham

An exciting new collaboration between Gotcha4Life, Landcare NSW, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) and Surf Lifesaving NSW has led to the opportunity to bring new programs to the Parkes and Forbes Shires with a focus on building mental fitness.

The four organisations saw the opportunity to work together in regional, rural, and coastal areas in NSW by delivering workshops and training focussed on the concept of ‘prevention through connection’.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Cr Phyllis Miller and Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM have expressed the support of both Councils for the outlay of programs. After several years of drought and then COVID-19, now is the time to continue working on these important aspects of our community health.

Gotcha4Life is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to connecting corporate Australia, government, community and NFP to help prevent and reduce instances of poor mental health in Australia.

Founder of Gotcha4Life and television and radio personality, Gus Worland said:
“Our vision at Gotcha4Life is a world where people are open, honest and supportive in their relationships and comfortable to express themselves when they are not ok. We envisage a society in which everyone has a Gotcha4Life mate who they can open-up to and rely on no matter what.”

Marg Applebee, Coordinator for Central West Lachlan Landcare, and Di Gill, RAHMHP Consultant are pleased to be working with Gotcha4Life to help activate these programs in the Parkes and Forbes Shires.

The RAMHP currently has 20 Coordinators who live and work across NSW who connect people to local services and information.

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton said continuing to find new ways of building mental fitness and capacity in rural communities was absolutely essential after the challenges 2020 has brought.

For guidelines on safe media reporting about suicide, mental ill-health and alcohol and other drugs, head to Mindframe on https://mindframe.org.au/

Forbes Gets Its Scrap Together

September 18, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes residents will be the best in NSW when it comes to recycling their food waste with a new education campaign being piloted by Forbes Shire Council.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said Forbes Shire Council volunteered to test the Let’s Get Our Scrap Together campaign, to get more food waste out of the red lid bin and into the green.

“Having a kerbside food waste recycling service already makes us among the best recyclers in NSW,” Phyllis said.

“This new education campaign will help us to be even better.”

The campaign was developed by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to support its kerbside collection program under Waste Less, Recycle More. It follows research that showed on average, only half the available food waste was being correctly disposed of in the green lid FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) bin.

EPA spokesperson Amanda Kane said the campaign is being piloted in Clarence Valley, Kempsey Shire and Forbes Shire council areas, with each council tailoring it to their own community. It will be delivered over the next three months, telling the story of how the green lid bin recycling benefits local farms, how it can take all types of food waste and is something everyone can do.

Forbes Shire Council will be distributing it through its Facebook page as well as letterbox drops, local media advertising and radio ads.

The results of bin audits conducted before and after the program will be compared to determine the success of the campaign. The ambitious goal will be to get all the food that is currently being wasted in the red lid bin disposed of in the green bin instead.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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