Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Education Week At Forbes High School

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The innovative teaching and learning continues at Forbes High School with staff embedding Curiosity & Powerful Learning in partnership with Positive Behaviour for Learning to improve student outcomes.

Education Week 2020 takes place from Monday, 3 August to Friday, 7 August. It is a state-wide annual event that celebrates public education in NSW with an emphasis on students, educators and the communities that support them.

During Education Week 2020 Forbes High School will highlight student empowerment, agency, and ownership of their education under the theme, ‘Learning Together’.

It is an important message that underpins NSW Education’s ambition for every student within the public school system to be known, valued, and cared for. The message gives us the opportunity to reflect on the valuable role the student voice has in creating engaged citizens who will thrive beyond the school gates.

Principal Safija Bristina said Education Week was the ideal opportunity for the school to reach out to its community and share its achievements through online platforms and social media.

“Forbes High School continues to ensure every student improves every year and we do this with passionate and courageous staff that are prepared to do teaching and learning differently to make it work for our students,” said Safija.

Camp Street Bridge Officially Opened

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Director West – Transport for NSW, Alistair Lunn, Mayor Phyllis Miller, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole and Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway cut the ribbon on Sunday.

On Sunday, the new Camp Street Bridge was officially opened by Director West – Transport for NSW, Alistair Lunn and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole.

The opening included a smoking ceremony on the bridge by Indigenous group River Spirit Dancers, led by Yarangirri Holmes, before officials cut the ribbon and walked across the bridge.

“This project started early in 2019 when Council staff prepared the site, relocating underground services, overhead power and closing walkways before Transport for NSW arrived to dismantle the old Camp Street Bridge,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “Our work with Transport however started long before this stage with Council providing support and input into the design process.”

The $12.8 million bridge, which was completed a month ahead of schedule, was funded by the NSW Government to replace the old Camp Street Bridge, built in 1927.

Mayor Phyllis Miller and Paul Toole unveiling the plaque.

The original bridge no longer met the current design standards and the new one is considerably wider to allow for wider transport vehicles, as well as ample space for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Forbes Shire Council contributed $250,000 to complete the approaches to the bridge and landscaping on either side.

Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway, who attended the opening ceremony, said elements of the old bridge had been incorporated into the design of the new bridge to complement the town’s heritage aesthetics.

“It’s the simple touches, like historic lamp posts on the bridge approaches that provide a reference to the past, with a modern twist. This bridge has a story to tell and a heritage area has been established so the community and visitors can learn about the history of Camp Street Bridge,” Sam said.

With more than 2000 tonnes of concrete and 221 tonnes of steel, the new 70-metre long bridge not only makes crossing the lake safer and easier, but ties in with the modern, clean lines of the landscape that has already begun to take shape around the lake, with more improvements to come.

Croquet Results

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Golf Croquet Tuesday 21 July
It was a bit damp underfoot for the start of Golf Croquet, but it turned out to be a perfect day. There were 36 players for Tuesday’s games where two groups had to follow on. The numbers for golf croquet are increasing which is great for the club. Five players won three matches, they were:
• John Browne
• John Cole
• Jeff Liebich
• Neville Spry
• Barry White

The closest games on the day were:
• Jill Rubie, Jeff Liebich 7, def Geoff Coles, Marie Spry 6.
• Colleen Liebich, Sandy Hepburn 7, def Judy Ellis, Ray Burridge 6.
• Alec Todd, Neville Spry 7, def Tony Tomson, John Job 6.
• Elvy Quirk, Lorna Field 7, def Bob Murray, Joan Littlejohn 6.
• John MacCullagh, Geoff Coles 7, def Evelyn Mahlo, Bill Scott 6.
• Mal Smith, Vince Roberts 7, def Sally Perry, Libby Smart 6.
• Tony Thomson, John Cole 7, def Joan Littlejohn, Merv Langfield 6.
• Lyn Simmonds, Barry White 7, def Elvy Quirk, Vince Roberts.
• John Browne, Lorraine Todd 7, def Colleen Liebich, Robin Pols 6.
• Lorna Field, Bob Murray 7, def Harley Stewart, Denny Smith 6.
• John Browne, Sandy Hepburn 7, def Evelyn Mahlo, Lyn Simmonds 6.
• Dorelle Scott, John Coles 7, def Lorna Field, Colleen Liebich 6.
• Kevin Rubie, Bruce Field 7, def Bill Scott, Lorraine Todd 6.

Saturday’s Aussie Croquet game was a washout. The courts were set up and teams were on the grass and ready to go when the rain started. A race to pack up ensued and the players quickly retreated to their cars and off home. There were no complaints about the rain as we all know it is needed.

Wet Weekend For Golf

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

On Saturday the wet conditions and many cancellations caused the scheduled Kristie Carpenter Memorial Trophy to be changed to an Individual Stableford Medley format. On the day, 45 Ladies and Men took to the field but only 19 players completed their round.

The Ladies Winner was Rose Carroll with 33 points, who played well, finishing ahead of Runner-up Sally Perry on 26 points. They both gamely toiled to the very end.

The Men’s Division 1 winner was Marty Woods from Parkes with 37 points, finishing ahead on count back from Neil McMil- lan, also on 37. They both enjoyed good weather early on. The Men’s Division 2 was won by Nick Ryan with 35 points. He was well ahead of Runner-up Liam Whitfield on 32 points.

The ball sweep went to 25 points: 34 – A Alley; 33 – C Dwyer, D Bayley, A Wallace; A Cole; 31 – S Flynn, J Bernardi, J Boyle; 29 – T Howe; 28 – M Spice, B Robinson; 25 – A Dukes. The NTP’s went to: 9th – Ladies: S Perry, Men: R Scott; 18th – Ladies: nil, Men: T Wallace.

The visitors included Marty Woods from Parkes, Simon Flynn from Mudgee, and Barry Hazell from Hervey Bay. It was very wet all day with water affecting putting on the greens, and sodden score cards which needed to dry before being scanned.

It was too wet to play the Sunday Stableford Medley. There were a few walking social golfers, but conditions were still remarkably difficult.

The health restrictions are affecting the organisation of Opens scheduled at other Clubs around the District. The Temora Open on 8-9 August has been cancelled, while the Trundle Open on 8-9 August and the Cowra Open on 8-9 August are still going ahead. The Condobolin Open is scheduled for 29- 30 August and will be played under COV- ID-19 restrictions.

Golfers are being reminded that they still need to practice social distancing, both in the ‘Golfie’ and also around the Pro Shop, as well as the 1st tee area where a maximum of 20 people are allowed to gather.

The Men’s competition on Saturday, 1 August is the Monthly Medal Individual Stroke play, sponsored by Bernardi’s Marketplace. Sunday, 2 August has a Stableford Medley.

Keep in touch on our Facebook page forbesgolfcourse, Instagram forbesgolf2871, and our website www.forbesgolf.org.au.

By Short Putt

Doing It Differently ‘At’ Forbes North Public

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Like so many things in this Covid crazy world, Education Week is being conducted differently at Forbes North Public School this year! Due to current health advice, Forbes North is unable to hold their regular community events. So, instead of inviting the community in, Forbes North are ‘going out’ into the community.

This Education Week, student artworks, outstanding work samples, photos and audio-visual items will be on display in the heart of Forbes in the store-front windows at 54 – 58 Rankin St. We encourage the entire Forbes community to come and do some ‘window shopping’ and see the great work the kids have been doing both at school and at home while “Learning Together”.

Masks A Must In WNSWLHD Health Services

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire residents and visitors are being advised that hospitals and health services across the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) are implementing new state-wide requirements for all staff and visitors to wear face masks.

WNSWLHD Director of Operations, Mark Spittal said that NSW Health had responded to the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 by increasing infection control measures.

The changes impact staff, visitors and patients to hospitals and health services. “From Friday, 24 July all visitors must wear a mask when they are in any of our health facilities. We encourage people to wear their own masks as long as they are in good condition,” said Mark.

Visitors who have underlying health issues that might prevent them from wearing a mask are advised to contact their local health service before they visit to get advice.

In addition to visitors wearing a mask, all staff caring for or working within 1.5 meters of any patient will also be required to wear surgical masks and where possible, patients coming to a health service will be required to wear a mask, and patients already in hospital may be required to wear a mask outside their room.

Mark went on to say: “At this stage, children 12 years old and under are not required to wear a mask if they do not have any symptoms, and the use of masks does not mean physical distancing and hand sanitising should not be adhered to.”

“The safety of our staff, patients and visitors is our priority and all visitors and staff must pass all applicable screening processes in place including temperature checking at all entrances to the facility.”

Visitors to any WNSWLHD hospitals or health services should check in advance to make sure they know and understand the rules and follow the directions of staff.

Under Offer/Contract What Does It Mean?

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

When an offer to purchase a property is accepted by the seller, it is generally referred to as ‘under offer’. This means that the agreement on price, terms and conditions has been reached, however the seller and buyer still need to sign the contracts and exchange.

Depending on various terms and conditions agreed upon during the negotiation phase, it can take several days to progress from the offer being accepted to the contracts being exchanged.

During this time the buyer or the seller may withdraw from the agreement.

In NSW two identical contracts are prepared – one is signed by the seller, the other by the buyer. Solicitors or conveyancers will exchange the contracts, however if the property is sold on auction the real estate agent usually exchanges contracts.

After the contracts have been exchanged, it is referred to as ‘under contract’. With a private treaty sale, the buyer has a five-day cooling off period. However, the buyer would be required to pay the seller 0.25% of the purchase price as a penalty for withdrawing from the sale.

Auction properties do not have cooling off periods. If a property is sold prior to auction, or on auction day, the buyer must complete the purchase or risk losing their 10% deposit.

Most agents put the Sold sticker on after contracts have exchanged and the cooling off period has expired.

When the property transaction is completed, which is commonly 42 days after exchange, it is referred to as settlement and the new owner takes possession of the property!

Mayoral Notes

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

What a busy and exciting week we have had in Forbes! Camp Street Bridge was formally opened on Sunday and I cannot express enough how proud I am of our team from Council.

The work that has gone into the landscaping on either side looks incredible and the crews have been working so hard on the approaches to the bridge to get it ready for the opening last weekend. I was thrilled to be the first to drive over when the bridge opened to traffic on Monday and I was joined by the General Manager, Steve Loane, Aileen Allen, and Councillor Chris Roylance.

We have had some lovely rain this week and reports have Wyangala Dam sitting between 22 and 23%, the Dam still is a long way off from full and a long way from enabling us to get comfortable. Whilst we may not be classed as in drought anymore, we do need to continue to behave as if we are. Water is so important, and we need to treat it with respect.

As I keep saying please remember to shop locally. Our retailers still need our help to remain operating in the current conditions. I know it is easy to shop from your couch at home, but I urge you to think of ways in which you can support our local businesses.

Until next week,
God bless.
Your Mayor Phyllis Miller

Our Bloke – Hunter Bilsborough

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Hunter Bilsborough School Captain 2020 Forbes North Public School.

What school do you go to and what do you like most about it? I go to Forbes North Public School. I love to see all of my friends and I get to do sport.

What is your favourite subject at school and why? My favourite subject is PE and Sport because I get to learn new skills and there are lots of different sports to play.

What makes you laugh the most? Friends telling funny jokes.

What is your dream job? My dream job would be a LEGO creator or be a Harry Potter wand maker.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? To change reality. Like if it were raining, I could make it sunny.

What is something you are really good at? Running and swimming.

What is your pet hate? When my brother and sister are being annoying.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why? I would live in the North Pole so I could see all the toys that Santa makes.

Funding Announced For Roads In The Forbes Shire

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Deputy PM Michael McCormack and Nationals MP Sam Farraway met with Mayor Phyllis Miller in Forbes last week to see where funding has been spent, and will be spent, on improving infrastructure and the local economy.

A $2.9million cash injection for roads in Forbes Shire will create jobs and boost the local economy at a time when it is needed most. The Federal Government has committed $191 million to build on the New South Wales Government’s Fixing Local Roads program.

Riverina MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, who visited Forbes last week, said the Federal Government continued to deliver on its commitment for regional Australia.

“I am proud to be a part of a Government which has supported our regional areas so much as this COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded,” Michael said.

“I know regional and rural residents rely on roads much more than our city counter- parts which is why I took our fight to the Cabinet table to deliver for residents in the Forbes Shire. Forbes Council submitted a shortlist of projects which they deemed as shovel ready and from there I have worked tirelessly in my role as Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development along with NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole to ensure our regional roads receive the funding they deserve.”

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway joined Michael’s visit to Forbes and said that the improvement of local roads was vital to better road safety for our regional and rural communities.

“We’re turbocharging this funding to ensure we create jobs and create better journeys on the roads that really matter to local communities, in what has been a difficult period for all. Projects like patching Wirrinya Road may seem small, but they will make a big difference to the overall safety and experience of daily commuters and visitors to the region,” Sam said.

The Federal and NSW Governments will deliver a total of $3.26million towards projects across the Riverina and Central West

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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