Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Croquet Notes

August 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Last Tuesday saw 33 players take to the field for a game of Golf Croquet. The Forbes Croquet Club continues to get a good number roll up each week, which means that so many are enjoying the game and the friendship and fellowship of the Club. The close games last week were:
• John Browne, Tony Thomson 7 def Bob Murray, Joan Littlejohn 6.
• Barry White, Vince Roberts def Jill Ru- bie, Jeff Liebich 6.
• Neville Spry, John Cole 7 def Elvy Quirk, Ruth Cheney 6.
• John Allegri, Lorraine Todd 7 def Colleen Liebich, Denny Smith 6.
• Sandy Hepburn, John Farah 7 def Alec Todd 6.
• Vince Roberts, John Cole 7 def Dorelle Scott, John Allegri 6.
• John Browne, Tony Thomson def Bill Scott, John MacCullagh 6.
• Merv Langfield, Joan Littlejohn 7 def Geoff Coles, Bob Murray 6:
• Jill Rubie, Evelyn Mahlo 7 def Jeff Liebich, Neville Spry 6.
• Denny Smith, Merv Langfield 7 def Jill Rubie Ruth Cheney 6.

There was only one runaway game where Kevin Rubie 10 defeated Evelyn Mahlo and Sandy Hepburn with 3. All three games were won by John Browne, Merv Langfield, Vince Roberts, Kevin Rubie and Mal Smith. Great to see one of the Club’s newest players get into the circle by winning all three games, well done Vince.

There was no Aussie Croquet played last Saturday due to wet weather.

The Club continues their heartfelt thanks to a small few of the members who make every effort to make sure the fields are set out each day of play and make sure all is in readiness for morning tea, as well as making sure all Croquet notes get to the paper on time. A special thank you for the effort made from all of those members.

By Elvy Quirk

Everyone Playing Their Part At Central West Livestock Exchange

August 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Safety measures are crucial to the continuation of the Central West Livestock Exchange.

Contributing an annual turnover of $330 million to the local economy, the Central West Livestock Exchange is a crucial asset for the Shire of Forbes and Council are asking residents to help ensure its continuation as a major business through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our community is very fortunate to have this asset that will help us to work our way out of drought, and can continue to be a good earner for the Shire even through coronavirus restrictions,” says Forbes Shire General Manager, Steve Loane.

“We are very proud of our connection to agriculture and the livestock industry. It is central to our core values and how we see ourselves as a community.”

“Safety at the site is absolutely key for the CWLE to continue to operate through the current crisis. Buyers are actively demonstrating their commitment to protect the industry; you would have seen the Fletchers buyers always wearing a mask. As a business they have asked all staff to wear them as part of their COVID safe plan,” said Steve.

The Council is asking people to recon- sider attending the Livestock Exchange if they are unwell, to strongly consider wear- ing a mask, and to follow the instructions of staff on site.

“The staff of the CWLE work hard to maintain and smoothly operate this great facility. We are all working hard to ensure that the yards continue to operate and contribute economically to the shire.”

“The Livestock industry has taken some hits over the last few years and we need to not let this impact our ongoing success. This season is a corker and we have to make sure that we can capitalise on this,” Steve said.

“COVID is an evolving situation and we are implementing or removing safety measures as necessary. Please continue to work with us on this, we know it can be frustrating to have the rules constantly changing but we are acting on advice from the State and Federal Governments and NSW Health as it comes to hand.”

“We appreciate your cooperation up to this point with the completion of attendance forms before you present onsite and we will try to make any further COVID safety measures as simple as possible.”

Last Friday the Central West Livestock Exchange played host to the Moogenilla Angus Bull Sale with great results. A total of 46 bulls were up for auction with a 100% clearance rate. Prices were healthy also with the top sale knocked down to $18,000 to the Consolidated Pastoral Company.

Support Breastfeeding For A Healthier Planet

August 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

With World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) running from 1-8 August, now is the chance to reflect on breastfeeding. The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is supporting Australian mothers throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, finding new ways to stay in touch, support, encourage and empower women throughout their breastfeeding journey.

The benefits of breastfeeding are widely known and accepted, the qualified breast- feeding counsellors within the ABA recognise it doesn’t come easily to many mothers and are able to offer guidance and ideas to help overcome challenges they may face. Forbes mothers are able to contact a counsellor via email at abaparkesforbes@gmail.com to discuss any issues.

The national helpline is also available 24/7 on 1800 686 268, where counsellors can be reached day and night. With COVID restrictions in place, our face to face Breastfeeding Education Classes have been replaced with Breastfeeding Education Live, a new online and interactive education experience for expectant parents. More information on these classes can be found at www.breastfeeding.asn.au.

The theme for WBW 2020, ‘Support Breastfeeding for a Healthier Planet’ brings awareness to the impact of infant feeding on the environment. Breastfeeding contributes to general health and food security and breastmilk is a natural, renewable food that is produced and delivered to the consumer without pollution, packaging or waste. When we protect and support mothers and breastfeeding, we are also reducing the impact on our air, water, and land, protecting our young ones and future generations.

Due to COVID-19 the Parkes/Forbes ABA group has temporarily ceased their monthly meeting. To keep up to date with local happenings check out the Australian Breastfeeding Association Parkes/Forbes Group on Facebook.

Applications For NAIDOC Week Now Open

August 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

This year’s NAIDOC Week will be an opportunity for Riverina and Central West residents to showcase the best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history, according to Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack.

The Federal Government has opened a new round of NAIDOC grants with $1.4 million available to go towards hosting events and other activities during NAIDOC Week from 8-15 November.

“The Riverina and Central West has celebrated NAIDOC Week in past years with wonderful events supported by the Government, including a NAIDOC Fair organised by Cowra High School, a WAWI Festival in Wagga Wagga, workshops and activities at Coolamon and the presentation of stories to preschool children at Peak Hill,” Michael said.

This year’s theme, ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’, is an opportunity for all Australians to engage with Indigenous culture, gain a greater understanding of our nation’s shared history and celebrate the unique place Indigenous peoples have in our society.

Information on the 2020 NAIDOC local grants round is available on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website, www.niaa.gov.au/naidoc, with applications closing Monday, 17 August at 7pm.

Golf Notes With Short Putts Mate

August 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Adam Demidjuk introducing Peter Barnes to a new range of golf shoes.

Adam Demidjuk is looking forward to working with the Forbes community after his recent appointed role as FGA Resident Golf Professional.

“Even at this early stage I have noted Forbes is a friendly community and I am thrilled to be part of it,” Adam said. While Forbes is the first full time appointment as a resident professional for the 32-year-old, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge to the position.

Since starting his traineeship at Long Reef Golf Club, Adam has attended appointments at Bayview and Kareela Golf Clubs as Assistant and Teaching Club Professional.

“While I believe it has been quite busy here on the course in recent months, I want to see golf continue to improve in playing numbers and become a major part of the sporting community.”

“I have learnt early that Forbes has some very talented players and I would like to give new golfers and learners an experience they will never forget.” Adam said.

Adam feels Forbes has a terrific course, having played two rounds since arriving, his first two over par 74, while he improved by six in his most recent outing two weeks ago. “I’ve heard plenty about the form of some of the A graders here, I’m looking forward to getting out on the course with them, and members in all grades,” Adam said.

Last Saturday the Frances family sponsored a Four-Ball Best Ball Stableford which attracted 51 players, far down from previous weeks due undoubtedly to weather conditions with parts of the course under water.

Troy Howe, handicap 19 and Charlie Dwyer, 8 have been regular players in recent months proving they were more than comfortable in the muddy, wet conditions with a score of 42 points.

Tomorrow, Saturday, 15 August will be a Stableford sponsored by Gunn’s Traffic Control while on Sunday the 27-hole Mixed Foursomes Championships is scheduled.

The Cry For Peace

August 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

When Victory over Japan (VJ) Day dawns on Friday, 14 August it will be 75 years since the guns fell silent, ending World War II. The official instrument of surrender was signed in Tokyo on 2 September 1945. Years of carnage and destruction had come to an end and millions of people took to the streets and pubs to celebrate the peace, mourn their loved-ones and to hope for the future. The end of the war in the Pacific was particularly poignant for Australia with the war literally raging on our doorstep.

To show respect, on Saturday, 15 August, towns across Australia and New Zealand will once again see Town Criers in their roles as official ambassadors for their cities, towns and regions delivering The Cry For Peace, to solemnly commemorate this important day in Australia’s history.

The ranks of our WWII veterans diminish daily and the freedom that we as a nation enjoy today is due directly to the tenacity and courage of those men and women who served in all three branches of the services. In addition to veterans of WWII, many citizens served as air raid wardens, joined the land army, and worked in manufacturing plants that kept the war effort going.

The end of WWII was not only a monumental relief for the thousands of surviving Australian soldiers abroad, but also for the civilians on Australian soil who were under threat. While attacks on Darwin and off the coast of New South Wales and Victoria are well known, Japanese troops also landed in Western Australia and German submariners came onshore in South Australia.

The Cry for Peace is taking place to mark Victory in the Pacific at 11.05am this Saturday. To take part in this commemoration, the Parkes Town Crier will be doing his cry at the Cenotaph in Cooke Park, Parkes.

Mayoral Notes

August 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

It has been a wet week here in Forbes and we do appreciate your patience with the road and carpark issues we are experiencing from the wet weather. Our crews are out and about trying to rectify these issues. After such a long period of little to no rain, we must be thankful for this rain, hopefully it continues so our farmers can get through the season with some great rewards.

Templar Street work will begin next week with the new sewer channels being installed. One lane at a time will be closed whilst this work is carried out. Your patience is appreciated, but it will look great when the work is done, which will be before Christmas.

Work on the Junction Street Carpark at Lions Park will be beginning very soon, pend- ing weather conditions. This will see twenty, all reverse parking, 45 degree spaces installed.

Just reminding everyone the COVID-19 drive through clinic in Hill Street is operating Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8am until 1pm. You must have a doctor’s referral though before heading to the service. I want to remind everyone we are not out of the woods with COVID-19 and we must all continue the good work by socially distancing, washing our hands and coughing into our elbows. We can’t afford to be complacent when you see how easily this virus can spread, we need to remain vigilant.

On behalf of all of us at Council I would like to pass on our thoughts and prayers to the Miller family on the passing of Margaret Miller, Forbes Citizen of the Year 1997 and District nurse.

God Bless.
Your Mayor, Phyllis Miller

Free Online ‘Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers’ Workshops

August 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The free workshops for parents and supervisors of learner drivers are being offered, thanks to Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils.

Parkes, Forbes, and Lachlan Shire Councils will be hosting two online workshops for parents and other supervisors of local learner drivers, full of practical advice and information about completing the 120 hours of supervised driving.

The free ‘Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers’ workshops are scheduled for Wednesday, 19 August from 6pm and Thursday, 20 August from 12.30pm.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said while the usual face to face workshops weren’t possible due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the online delivery will hopefully make it more easily accessible for participants to attend.

“Parents and supervisors of learner drivers have a crucial role to play in making our roads safer. That is why we have teamed up with Transport for NSW and the Councils across the Western Region to hold these two free workshops via Zoom.”

“Participants can attend from the safety and comfort of their own home. The estimated run time is around one hour and 15 minutes. The workshop covers the licencing system, how to use the Learner Driver Logbook including the use of digital logbooks, licence conditions for learner and P-plate drivers, the benefits of on-road driving sessions, tips on supervising a learner driver and more.”

“Parents and supervisors who have attended this workshop in the past have found that it boosted their confidence, helped them better plan driving sessions and allowed them to share their experiences with other parents and supervisors,” Melanie said.

Bookings are essential and can be made online via Eventbrite for the Wednesday and Thursday session through the Council’s Facebook pages or by calling Melanie Suitor on 6861 2364.

Council For Community

August 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

This week was Local Government Week and Forbes Shire Council welcomed the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements it has made in improving living standards and wellbeing for Forbes Shire residents.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said in the past 12 months Forbes faced unprecedented challenges, from drought to bushfires to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Forbes Shire Council recognised the important responsibility it had to support our community through these crises,” Phyllis said.

“Local Government Week is not about blowing our own trumpet; it’s about making residents aware of the range of services councils have on offer to make their community a fantastic place to work and live.”

Phyllis said the theme of this year’s Local Government week is “Councils Do.”

“Forbes Shire Council recognises the truth of that theme – that we would provide the best possible support for our community through the broad range of services we provide and a proactive response to the many challenges our community face,” she said.

“Councils are the hub of their communities, responsible for community events, libraries, sports fields, parks, pools, building and development assessment and even cemeteries.”

Phyllis said Forbes Shire Council took its role serving the community very seriously. “Councils are the grassroots, frontline level of government for the majority of people in NSW.”

When issues arise at a local level, Council’s are usually the first point of contact and the first to protect and enhance the environment, lifestyle and well-being of the town and its residents. Council also works to draw new residents, business, and development opportunities into Forbes.

For more information on services provided by Forbes Shire Council go to www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Celebrating Learning Together

August 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Public School’s Mrs MacGregor with student Bianca Colvin.

Education Week 2020 began on Monday, with schools across the Forbes Shire and the State celebrating the many achievements of public schools and the critical role they play in equipping our students for the future.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said ‘Learning Together’ is a fitting theme given the extraordinary challenges this year has presented.

“In the face of drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, our school communities have proven just how strong and adaptable they are,” Sarah said.

“Teachers and support staff moved quickly to online lessons; parents and carers took on additional responsibilities at home and students adjusted to a new way of learning.” Education Week has been a highlight of the NSW public education calendar for more than 60 years, and this year provides an opportunity to reflect on achievements over the past year.

“This is particularly relevant for the past year, as our education system has triumphed amidst difficult circumstances,” Sarah said.

“I cannot overstate the appreciation I have for the incredible way everyone has responded to the challenges of this year. Right across the state, students and families have received incredible support from their schools and teachers, and stronger relationships have grown between schools and their communities.”

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Subscribe