Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Mayoral Notes

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Hasn’t the spring weather been simply amazing! I do hope everyone has been outside enjoying it. This week I’ve been busy catching up on many things like the future tourism strategy, Forbes’ economic development and heritage conservation for the Shire. It is so important we continue to plan for future tourism despite what is going on with travel being discouraged. Forbes is situated in an ideal location on the Newell Highway with many accommodation options and wonderful attractions to draw people to stop and stay for a few days. We do however need to have a plan to ensure we can provide all the amenities to entice the intrepid traveller.

Last weekend the Cumberland Bird Observatory came to Forbes to visit our Gum Swamp Wildlife Reserve. They were blown away with the area and the diverse array of birds to be found there. Their words were “first class!” Currently Council is working with the Forbes Art Society to install new bird hides and the area has been closed off for the installation and construction stage.

In the coming months you will hear many helpful hints and encouragement from Council to join in throwing your scraps into the green bin and not in the red bin. I hope you will all join me in trying to reduce organic waste going into landfill and instead, be processed into beautiful organic soil for our farmers.

Until next week God Bless.

Return Of A Beautiful Curse

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Beautiful but deadly Paterson’s Curse has exploded around the Ski Dam in Forbes.

Residents and regular Ski Dam walkers in Forbes will have no doubt noticed the beautiful sprawling weed around the Ski Dam and around paddocks in the Shire, the beautiful purple hue reminiscent of the picturesque lavender fields of Provence, France. However, this local version must not be mistaken for such.

Echium Plantagineum, more commonly known as Paterson’s Curse, Riverina Bluebell and Purple Viper’s-Bugloss is an invasive weed which is extremely harmful to livestock. Rumoured to have been named after the Paterson family of Cumberoona, NSW who planted it in their garden in the 1880’s, only to watch in horror as it spread across pastoral and agricultural land. Paterson’s Curse’s poisoning symptoms range from loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, and sleepiness, to more severe symptoms that can result in death due to liver damage.

While livestock tend to ignore Paterson’s Curse, contaminated hay bales or feed is more often to blame for the consumption of this toxic weed. In 1988 and 1994, the CSIRO released moth, root weevils, flea beetles and two more types of beetles in South Australia which is said to have significantly contributed to the decline in the abundance of the weed as both the moth and beetle species can kill the plant before it flowers. In human’s the plant can cause skin irritation so please give this smiling assassin a wide-berth if and when you might come across it.

Grants To Support Youth

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack

Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is encouraging individuals and organisations supporting young people to consider applying for funding of up to $20,000 through the Youth Action Projects Grant Scheme.

“Young people are our future and at this most difficult time in our history it is vital we give them as much support as possible to ensure they continue to have a bright future,” Michael said.

“A small boost for a youngster might just be enough for them to realise their dreams down the track and this will benefit not just them as individuals but our community as well because we are all enriched when even one person succeeds.”

As part of the program, grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 are available for projects which respond to the social challenges facing those aged 15 to 24.

Projects need to be either new initiatives that recognise and respond to the hardship young people face now and will face in the future, or existing initiatives which already provide a valuable on-going service to young people, but which need further funding to continue.

Funds can be used to pay for any type of project including but not limited to staffing, equipment purchase, consumables or marketing.

While grants will be used for projects which support young people in a variety of ways, there will be a particular focus on employment, transportation, mental health and the impacts of COVID-19 and last summer’s bushfires. Successful grant recipients are expected to deliver projects over the 2020-21 financial year.

The grant round closes Wednesday, 7 October 2020. For more information and to download the application form, visit the website www.fya.org.au/yapgs

Magic During Medals

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

HAPPY GOLFERS: Denis Culley, Peter Tisdell and Rob Webb are all smiles after a sunny day.

On Saturday, the Men’s September Monthly Medal, sponsored by McFeeter’s Motor Museum, was contested by 96 players, some of whom produced magic golf in beautiful spring conditions.

The A-Grade was very tight, but eventually was won by Michael Wood with 67 nett, followed by Warwick Jennings from Nowra on 68 nett. The B-Grade saw an outstanding performance by Doug Churchill to score 64 nett, comfortably ahead of Barry Parker on 67 nett.

The C-Grade was where all the flash was made, with Liam Whitfield scoring 62 nett, from Ben Coles with 63 nett. Jack Dobell was unlucky to miss out with his 64 nett.

The ball sweep went to 71 nett on count back and distributed to 30 players. Too nu- merous to list, please check in the Pro Shop for your name. The NTP’s went to: 9th, J Dobell; 18th, S Betland. The ProShop Super Pin went to John Boyle, who got his ‘2’.

The visitors included Digit McAuliffe from Nelson Bay, Stuart Hayes and Stephen Grant from Murrumbidgee, and a group of travelling golfers Bob and Dan Hansen, Greg, Warwick, Paul and Pierre Jennings, and Tim and Chris O’Shea.

The 9th hole proved too much for all players in one group, where after a watery dunking the best score was a five.

The Sunday Medley numbers were bolstered by the travellers but had good club numbers. The winner was Ethel Coombs with 40 points on count back from Shirley Redfern.

The ball sweep went to 34 points, A Demidjuk and B Drabsch. Remember to still practice the social distancing, even in the ‘Golfie’.

Saturday, 12 September is a 4BBB Stableford Medley, sponsored by Cahill’s Footwear. Sunday, 13 September has a Stableford Medley, with the Bogan Gate Open cancelled.

Keep in touch on Facebook: forbesgolfcourse, Instagram: forbesgolf2871 and at www.forbesgolf.org.au.

Want To Know The Value Of Your Home?

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Our local property market is certainly very interesting at the moment. We are experiencing low stock levels and good demand from buyers, especially first home buyers and investors.

With spring in the air, now is traditionally the time people think about selling, whether it is your own home or investment, it is easier to move around and get things done when we have pleasant weather conditions.

Recently my phone has been ringing, with out of town investors looking at our region, as our home prices are low and rental returns high. I have also had more mature people considering a quieter life and looking to move west to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Obtaining a current market appraisal on your home may help you make important decisions about whether to stay or go, or should you borrow money to renovate, or find out how much equity you have for investing purposes.

At the appraisal appointment, I do a walk- through of your home, have a chat to you about the property, and can usually give you a price estimate on the spot, followed by a written report if needed. The process takes around 20 minutes with the aim to give you a price range of your current market value and offer any advice that may help with your decision making.

To book your property appraisal please contact Tara Kelly at Century 21 Central West 0418 465 407. Servicing Forbes, Parkes and Eugowra.

Well Deserved Award For Mayor

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Sam Farraway presented the Award to Mayor Phyllis Miller in Victoria Park on Tuesday. (Credit Sam Farraway Facebook)

On Tuesday, Nationals Member Sam Farraway visited Forbes to Officially present Forbes Shire Council Mayor Cr Phyllis Miller OAM with the Ministers Award in Local Government-Elected Representative Award for Rural and Regional NSW. Sam, who has worked extensively with Phyllis in supporting many projects throughout the Shire, said the award was “very well deserved.”

Phyllis received the Award virtually, via a live ceremony on Youtube at the end of August, for which she said she was “incredibly honoured” before acknowledging and thanking her fellow Councillors and Council’s General Manager Steve Loane.

Council staff and family were there to share in the excitement. (credit: Sam Farraway Facebook)

Snippets…

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Margaret Girot will have a stall full of new season tomato plants this month at the Rotary Ipomoea Markets.

Market Makes Its Comeback: Saturday, 12 September will see Rotary Ipomoea’s first market since the COVID-19 break at Forbes Lion’s Park, starting at 8am and concluding at 12.30pm.

There will be a Rotary Ipomoea market, all being well, every second Saturday of the month for the rest of the year including a special Christmas market on the second Saturday of December.

Rotary Ipomoea members are so excited to be able to conduct a market again with social distancing in place. So many regular stall holders have replied to invitations to attend as well as many new stall holders.

Margaret Girot would normally be selling her plants at the Forbes Show but since its cancellation, she will have all her new season tomato plants, vegetable seedlings and fowls at the market this month. Forbes Rotary Ipomoea will have a seasonal produce raffle, eggs, oranges, lemons, limes, books, plants, and pumpkins for sale on their mega Rotary stall. Funds raised by Rotary Ipomoea support local projects.

Forbes North Public School will have a stall offering a variety of handmade calico shopping bags, cards, video games, books, toys, and produce from the school garden.

There will be hand-made clothes, home cooking, soap, antiques and the chance to sample a Rotary egg and bacon roll from the Rotary breakfast van, or you may like to grab a coffee from the ladies’ in the super coffee outlet at Lion’s Park.

Spring Photo Competition: It is that time of year again. The Forbes Phoenix is running its annual Spring Photo Competition where 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. Sarah is a storytelling genius who loves adventure and finds great joy in capturing special moments. Sarah’s clients are treated more like friends and sessions are laid back in order to capture authentic and unique moments.

Essjay Photography is located in Forbes and has been operating for over ten years. The business is ever expanding and offers family, weddings, business, and personal photography. Winners of the Spring Photo Competition will win a $200 voucher from Essjay Photography. Submissions can be made on the Forbes Phoenix Facebook page, or emailed to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au. The Forbes Phoenix will accept entries until the end of October 2020.

Azalea in bloom by Elvy Quirk.

My COVID Test

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The drive-through testing clinic is the quickest and most convenient means of being tested.

It was 10:02am as I pulled up behind a line of 14 cars in front of the Vandenberg Hotel, and within a few minutes there were more cars in line behind me. I felt a wave of relief wash over me to see so many others waiting to be tested for COVID-19, although this was not my first test.

Two months earlier I presented myself at Forbes Hospital with what I knew to be an all too familiar case of tonsillitis, I was given a mask and told very assertively by the receptionist to “step back!” from the marked line I was already standing behind. When the only other patient in the waiting room saw me, she slouched back and used her collar to cover her mouth. Thankfully, the nurse who took the swab was friendly and patient with my dramatic display of discomfort during that infamous nasopharyngeal swab which has since been replaced by a much gentler nasal swab.

The first time I was tested I was sure that I did not have COVID-19. However, this time upon hearing about last week’s case in Parkes, I wondered if this cough of mine was due to a change in season or a mild case of COVID. If it was the dreaded COVID, how many of my friends, contacts and family members would be forced to self-isolate? How many people did I, at best, inconvenience greatly or, at worst, put at risk? Would I be lynched? Word spreads quickly in small towns and it would not take long before I became the hottest topic in town.

These fears of mine were eased in seeing so many others in line to be tested on Monday, and while it meant that I had to wait over half an hour to be tested it will be a relief to have a negative result back.

The drive-through process was easy enough, firstly a man came to hand out information about registering to receive a text message for a negative result. Secondly, a woman came to take my details before placing the paperwork on my windscreen for the nurses in the final pathology gazebo. Finally, the nurses took my temperature, swabbed my mouth; so far so good, and took a nasal swab, which was thoroughly unpleasant but over in just a few seconds.

By Alexandria Irvine

Croquet Catch-Up

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

On Tuesday, 1 September there were 31 players in attendance. It was a beautiful warm day, enjoyed by all.

Many close games were recorded and the winners of three games on the day were John Farah, Bruce Field, Joan Littlejohn, and Kevin Rubie.

On Saturday, 5 September there was a smaller number of players due to some members away and others not well. The winners of three games on the day were John Allegri, Joan Littlejohn, Bob Murray, and Harley Stewart. It was good to see Harley back in form after a few weeks away from the game. Well done Harley.

The Annual General Meeting is to be held on Tuesday, 13 October after play at the Club House, weather permitting. Also of course it will be subject as to what is happening at that time with COVID-19. It is a shame that at present everything we are about to organise depends on the day to day change of restrictions in relation to COVID-19. I daresay we must get used to the idea as I think it will be around us for quite some time yet.

By Elvy Quirk

Our Bloke – Steve McAlister

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Steve McAlister

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I began working in Forbes in 2013 and moved here with my family in 2015. I love how friendly, accommodating, and helpful people are here. The town itself is well-kept.

What was your first job? My first job was working on the floor at a fruit and vegetable cannery.

What makes you laugh the most? My son, my wife, and any number of old British comedies.

If money were no object, what would you do with your time? I would travel with my wife.

Describe your dream holiday? Anywhere with my wife really, we’ve done some great trips over the years. I think as long as you’re with the right person it doesn’t matter where you go.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Growing up in a small country town and the freedom that it brings, like playing in the creek and riding bikes ‘til dark.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? I’m pretty happy with where I am right now. Live in the moment and make the most of all that comes your way.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? My wife, former Australia cricket Captain Allan Border and either Nelson Mandela or Barack Obama.

What is your pet hate? People who drive slowly in the overtaking lane.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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