Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Bird Boxes Help Bring Life Back After Bushfires

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

BIRDS OF A FEATHER… Ben Lan , Cliff Cowal and Ron Fewings finishing up a bird box for the Sacred Kingfisher at the Parkes Men’s Shed.

Spring is a time for new beginnings and thanks to the generosity of some locals, three species of birds will hopefully be able to produce some offspring on the fire ravaged south coast.

The unprecedented bushfires last summer destroyed the habitat of bird species who normally breed in hollow tree branches, like the Sacred Kingfisher, Crimson Rosella and Kookaburra.

Members of the Parkes Rotary Club, in conjunction with the Parkes and Forbes Men’s Sheds, completed 75 bird boxes last week that will be placed on trees in time for the spring breeding season.

Ken Engsmyr from Parkes Rotary, who also serves on the Rotary Bushfire Recovery Committee, said when he heard Rotary clubs on the South Coast were making bird boxes he thought it was the perfect opportunity to repay a kind gesture. The Sapphire Coast Rotary Clubs visited Trundle during the drought and did some work in the town to support the community.

Ken involved the two Men’s Shed groups saying, “ It gives us something to do jointly as we are all about returning something to our communities”. The Rotary Bushfire Recovery Committee had received donations from Rotary clubs overseas and funds were made available to purchase the supplies.

The Forbes Men’s Shed completed 24 Kookaburra boxes which took roughly two weeks. While Forbes’ Men’s Sheds Brian Wilkie said that the boxes were straight forward enough to build, it did take longer than usual because the men are still in the process of moving to their new shed.

Norm Haley, Forbes Men’s Shed President, said: “We were pleased to take part in it, for the places affected by the bushfires it is good to get in there and give back to the community.”

The men completed 24 boxes which were sent to Parkes on Monday before heading off to the South Coast. “I like to think the Men’s Shed can be of some assistance to the community, we endeavour to be better and I really enjoyed it, got some satisfaction out of it myself,” Brian said.

By Maggi Barnard

Success In KENO Ambrose

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

NSW Ambrose Group 2: Bob Borger, Peter Barnes and Ron Morris anxiously watch the tee shot of Scott Kirkman.

On Saturday, 29 August the club event was a two-person Ambrose sponsored by Marg and Ron Hurst and Shirley Redfern, with the winning groups from the 48 pairs who contested to be eligible to go forward to contest the Golf NSW KENO championship.

The Men’s Pairs was won by Shane Sallaway and Doug Churchill with a nett 58.5. Their score was helped significantly by an albatross on the 6th hole and an eagle on the 7th hole. Quite a remarkable feat. Harrison Callaghan and Warren Baxter were further back on 62.5 nett.

The Ladies’ Pairs was won by Brianna and Carolyn Duncan with a nett 64.8, with help by 2’s on the 9th and 18th holes. A little way back was the pair of Jenny Fletcher and Debbie Tilley on 68.0 nett.

The Mixed Pairs was won by Phil Wells and Fleur von Mengerson-Wells on 59.8 nett. Hot on their heels were John Betland and Nicole Death on 61 nett.

The NTP’s went to 9th – Ladies: B Duncan, Men: P Cowhan; 18th – Ladies: B Duncan, Men: P Cowhan. Mark Hawker did well to win the 3rd hole ‘Super Pin’ prize. Visitor Kane Lo enjoyed his game with Ben Robinson.

Sunday was a bit chilly with a biting wind, but there was still a modest field in the Sunday Medley. The winner was Anne-Maree Gaffney with 40 points, teaching Ethan Gaffney on 35 points a thing or two. Unfortunately, there was no ball sweep or NTP’s.

Plans are underway for the VW Scramble, to be held on 25 October, focusing on local attendees.

NSW Dept of Health will review the current COVID-19 restrictions, so remember to socially distance in the Golfie and at outside places.

Saturday, 5 September is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by McFeeters Motor Museum. Sunday has a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Sixty-Five Thousand Dollar Donation

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Tenders are out for the refurbishment of the Forbes indoor heated pool which serves the Forbes community, young and old.

Forbes Aged People’s Association disbanded last year, and the committee has generously donated $250,000 to the Jemalong Retirement Village Stage 2 independent living precinct, which will include a heated pool for the proposed community centre.

A further $65,000 has been donated to the existing Forbes Heated Pool for its soon to be refurbished facility.

“It was very important that this community money goes back to the community,” says Alister Lockhart OAM, former Chairman. “We are pleased to be able to help not only the Jemalong Retirement Village but another important facility in Forbes, the Heated Pool.”

“The committee’s intentions all along have been to give the community something they can be proud of, and the Independent Living Village is a much-needed facility to have in our town. We are glad to be able to help the facility to include a heated pool as part of the complex.”

“To have additional funds available to give to the public Heated Pool is an enormous benefit to people living in Forbes and this wonderful facility which is about to embark on a transformation.”

The $65,000 will be held in trust by Forbes Shire Council until the work begins later this year. “I want to extend a huge congratulations to the Aged People’ Association for all that they have done for our community,” says Forbes Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “Thank you for this amazing contribution to the Forbes Heated Pool, which will no doubt be used by many in our community.”

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

As of Wednesday, 2 September, the Western NSW Local Health District remains at 47 confirmed cases since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A case of COVID-19 has been reported in the Parkes Local Government Area. Further testing and investigation is under way to verify the diagnosis of COVID and any possible source of the infection. The case is currently in isolation.

Right now, the message is very simple – if you have any symptoms, even mild ones, arrange to be tested.

Local Government Area	No. Cases
Bathurst Regional	9
Blayney Shire	3
Cabonne Shire	5
Dubbo Regional	6
Mid-Western Region	6
Narromine Shire	1
Orange City	13
Parkes Shire	2
Warren Shire	1
Warrumbungle Shire	1
Weddin Shire	1

New Canteen Connect App Expands Youth Cancer Support

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

canteen connect

Youth cancer organisation, Canteen, has unveiled a new mobile app. The Canteen Connect app is an evolution of Canteen’s web-based online support service and guarantees 24/7 support for all young people impacted by cancer whenever they need it most.

Canteen CEO Peter Orchard says the app has been one of the organisation’s top priorities over the past two years, led by huge demand from the young people Canteen supports.

“I’m so thankful that our young people now have more intuitive access to our support services on their mobile whenever they need it, and wherever they are in the world,” he said.

The app brings canteenconnect.org.au to life via iOS and Android smartphones, and is available in the App Store and Google Play right now across Australia.

All of the features of Canteen Connect on desktop will be available through the App including the ability to connect with others the same age through chat networks, attending fun and helpful online activities and events, and accessing counselling via phone or live chat.

Bringing this app to life will help young people connect with others in similar situations the minute they feel they need support.

Netball News

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Netball Spring Night Competitions for both mixed and ladies’ teams played the second grading games on Wednesday night.

There is still time for teams to enter the competitions, and some new teams have entered since last week. The competition will start on Wednesday, 9 September and all teams must be entered by Saturday night, 5 September.

The competitions will be played through until the finals on 2 December 2020, with no competition during the school holidays.

Anyone looking for more players or players looking for a team should email Secretary Mon, secretary.forbesnetball@gmail.com.

This year a 17 and under, and a ladies’ division 2 has been formed for players who want to have a more social game.

Team nomination forms are available on the FNA website, alternatively teams can come to the office on Wednesday night.

Team representatives are also asked to make a note of the players who are playing in the second competition on their team sheet.

This must be done to ensure that mixed and ladies’ teams are not allocated to play at the same time in the draw. Team representatives are also reminded to look carefully through the draw for umpiring duties.

Mayoral Notes

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Wow what a week it has been! Firstly, I am extremely humbled by the award I received on Monday from the Minister for Women in Local Government, Shelly Hancock, for Elected Representative for Regional/Rural Category. It was lovely to be nominated by the staff at Council for starters and I would like to thank the wonderful team of Councillors I work with in Council. To do the important work we do, it really is a team effort, not just one person.

I would also like to encourage women to get involved in local government as it is important that we have equal voices being heard on issues relating to our community. I strongly believe if we all work together great things can be achieved.

I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Your Say poll on naming the Edward Street subdivision. Please continue to use the Your Say portal often to let us know your input into the direction of projects and decisions that affect our community. The more voices the better!

It is so simple to register and it will allow you to contribute your ideas, participate in surveys, discussion forums and quick polls. Simply go to our webpage www.forbes.nsw.gov.au and down the bottom of the page click on the “Have Your Say” and this will take you to the page where you can share your thoughts with us.

Until next week God Bless.

Your Mayor
Phyllis Miller

Minister’s Award For Mayor Phyllis Miller

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Mayor Phyllis Miller’s contribution to Forbes was recognised in a live ceremony on Monday.

Forbes Shire Council’s Mayor, Phyllis Miller has been honoured with a prestigious Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government in the Elected Representative for Regional/Rural Category.

Phyllis was recognised for the many years of commitment to the Forbes community. “I am incredibly honoured to receive this award, especially since it is for something I truly love doing,” said Phyllis.

“I joined Council back in 1995 after the death of my son in a tragic vehicle accident. The community support I received during this time was incredible and I was so appreciative of the support and kindness our family received and I wanted a way to give back to the community in which I was a part of.”

“I do this job because I am passionate about achieving the best for my community and whilst it hasn’t been easy I can tell you, with my fellow Councillors, our brilliant GM, Steve Loane and the wonderful dedicated staff, we at Council have achieved so many amazing things over the 25 years I have been with Council.”

For Phyllis, there have been numerous moments to be proud of when it comes to serving the community of Forbes. In being elected as President of the Shires Association of NSW in 2003, Phyllis was the first and only woman to be elected as President since the Association’s inception one century ago. In 2007 Phyllis was also awarded the Medal of the Order for her service and contribution to local government and the environment.

“I would like to encourage all women to think about representing their community in local government. My advice to those wanting to take the challenge is to gain knowledge, ask questions, get training, and be persistent and patient. Local Government is a slow-moving organisation, and with patience so many great things can be achieved,” Phyllis said.

Due to COVID-19 the Awards ceremony was unable to take place at Parliament House however, the ceremony was conducted live on YouTube.

Croquet Catch-Up

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Golf Croquet Tuesday, 25 August
On Tuesday, 25 August there were 34 players and it was great to see a mostly sunny situation, despite a cool breeze, it was a pleasant day on the lawns. A few close games were played with:

• John Browne and Neville Spry 7, defeated Judy Ellis and Dorelle Scott 6.
• John Job and John MacCullagh 7 defeated Lyn Simmonds and Vince Roberts 6.
• Field and Robin Pols 7 defeated Colleen Liebich and Barry White 6.
• Dorelle Scott and Lorraine Todd 7 defeated Robin Pols and Marie Spry 6.
• Sandy Hepburn and Alec Todd 7 defeated Jeff Liebich and Sally Perry 6.
• Elvy Quirk and John Browne 7 defeated Joan Littlejohn and John Cole 6.
• John Allegri and John Farah 7 defeated Bill Scott and Jennifer Job 6.

At Golf Croquet on Tuesday there were a good number of players winning all three games. They were John Allegri, John Browne, Bruce Field, Bob Murray, Neville Spry and Alec Todd. It was great to see Bruce Field win all three games as Bruce has not played much lately.

Aussie Croquet Saturday, 29 August
For Aussie Croquet on Saturday, the club was a little down on numbers, but it was a very pleasant day and the sun was quite warm with Spring in the air. There were varied scores on Saturday with no close games recorded however, quite a few 14/11 games were played.

• Elvy Quirk and Judy Ellis defeated Dorelle Scott and Joan Littlejohn.
• Doreen Rogers and Lyn Simmonds defeated Bill Scott and Marie Spry.
• Lorraine Todd and Neville Spry defeated Judy Ellis and Dorelle Scott.
• Sandy Hepburn and John Allegri defeated Barry White and Robin Pols.
• Robin Pols and John Job defeated Lorraine Todd and Joan Littlejohn.
• Doreen Rogers and Bob Murray defeated Jill Rubie and Merv Langfield.

Three games of Aussie croquet were recorded by John Browne, Lyn Simmonds, and Neville Spry. Congratulations to all who won three games and especially to John Browne and Neville Spry who won all three games on both days.

By Elvy Quirk

Croquet Catch-Up

August 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Croquet Club has certainly had some wet and cold weather of late. Thirty-three players made their way to the Forbes Croquet lawns last Tuesday, where there was some very mixed scoring. Close games were recorded by the following:
• Bob Murray, Joan Littlejohn 7 defeated Colleen, Jeff Liebich 6.
• Marie Spry, Lorraine Todd 7 defeated Jennifer Job, Barry White 6.
• Alec Todd, Sandy Hepburn 7 defeated Neville Spry 6.
• Lyn Simmonds, Marie Spry 7 defeated Joan Littlejohn, Jill Rubie 6.
• John Browne 7 defeated Tony Thomson 6.
• Ray Burridge, Merv Langfield 7 defeated John Job, Jeff Liebich 6.
• Sally Perry, Mal Smith 7 defeated Mary Hodges, John Allegri 6.
• John MacCullagh, Neville Spry 7 defeat- ed Colleen Liebich, John Farah 6.

It was pleasing to see some of the club’s newest players up in the winning ranks, congratulations Sally.

The winners of three games were John Browne, Merv Langfield, Bill Scott and Alec Todd. Well done to those players.

Once again there was no croquet played on Saturday due to a misty morning and the extremely cold winds.

A new ruling had been put in place that players must arrive ten minutes before the start of play so that numbers can be put in the draw to be ready to start play on time.

With COVID-19 still scouting around, players must always remain vigilant and continue to practice social distancing.

By Elvy Quirk

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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