Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

‘Merv Hawke’ Cup Success

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Head Pro Adam Demidjuk stumped by a difficult lie during his game.

Saturday’s event was the ‘Merv Hawke’ Cup, a 4BBB Stableford Medley event, sponsored by the Hawke Family, and contested by a field of 112 players.

The winners, on count back, were Todd Callaghan and son Harrison with a score of 44 points. The unlucky runners-up were Lynette Kennedy and Rose Carrol, whose 44 points saw a big contribution by Rose who played well below her handicap.

The ball sweep went to 39 points on count back: 43 C Hurford/J Brett and N and C Duncan; 42 A Hogan/L Whitfield, B Robinson/B Hodges and John and Sam Ridley; 41 J Ridley/D Scott, N Death/E Baker, J Hurkett/T Toole and D Mylecharane/P Duke; 40 C Barrett/A Rees, K Sly/K Walton, V Lane/C Venables and T Griffiths/P Kay; 39 S McAlister/C Alley and S Thomas/T Cogswell.

The NTP’s went to 9th Ladies, J Fletcher and Men, T Callaghan; 18th Ladies, J Hurkett, Men, J Bernardi. The 2’s were scarce. Visitors included Peter Mawhinney from Grenfell, Rowan Fessey from Kogarah, Jan and John Hurley from Pacific Dunes, Jack Downes from Moree, Peter Ryan from Killara, Steve and Ros Fuller from Wentworth, and Brad Hazell from Hervey Bay.

On the course was our new Head Pro, Adam Demidjuk. He enjoyed the company of his group, commenting that he was thrilled with the course, finding some challenges along the way.

The Sunday Stableford Medley field was again very low. The eventual winner was Ethel Coombs with 31 points. With improving weather more players should be able to take advantage of the reduced competition fee for the Sunday Medley.

Head Pro Adam will be back to start in the Pro Shop on 3 August. Make sure you catch up with him from then on and welcome him to Forbes.

The Wallace Cup draw is on the Pro Shop noticeboard, so get your game organised to ensure we keep ahead of the deadlines.

The Trundle Open on 8, and 9 August will be played under strict COVID-19 rules, so pre-registration is important. The Temora Open is on the same weekend.Remember, we still need to practice social distancing, even in the ‘Golfie’.

Saturday, 25 July is an Individual Stableford Medley, sponsored by T Griffiths and V Rebellato. There are prizes for Ladies and Men, with an overall winner for the Kristie Carpenter Memorial Trophy. Sunday, 26 July has a Stableford Medley.

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

By Short Putt

Letters…

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Letter To The Public

Police are urging residents to lock their vehicles and secure their possessions in response to a recent spike in opportunistic thefts.

Officer in charge of Parkes Police, Chief Inspector Dave Cooper has a simple message for everyone, “Lock your vehicles.” Recent incidents have been very opportunistic in nature, whereby offenders are checking cars parked on the street or in driveways, and if they are unlocked, they have entered the vehicles and stolen anything of value. If the cars are locked, the offenders have move on.

The same principle applies with property that has been left unattended in a front yard or on a veranda. If it is easy to grab, the offenders may target it. If it is locked away, they won’t get the chance.

Unfortunately, the days of leaving our cars and homes unlocked, due to our laid-back country lifestyle, are over. We need to target harden and make it difficult for offenders. Police are also urging residents to be vigilant, if you see or hear something that does not seem right, call the Police.

Police will be increasing proactive patrols in response, but they just cannot be everywhere, we are calling on our community to do their bit and lock up.

With thanks
Chief Inspector David Cooper Central
West Police District

Mayoral Notes

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

This week Forbes Shire Council celebrated 150 years of local government at our Council meeting on Thursday. It is at times like this you reflect on all that has been achieved over time, and I am so proud of our community and Council for all that we have done over the years. We live in the best place in Australia!

The year began in severe drought, with much of our community affected after 2 years of little to no rain. Then came the horrendous bushfires which burned across the State. Many of our local firies attended these fires to support fellow Rural Fire Servicemen and the communities. In late February, Coronavirus rapidly began to spread throughout the whole world and Forbes, along with the rest of Australia went into lockdown. We currently have no cases to report in Forbes and I thank the community for this.

We have completed two major projects so far this year, the stage two of the Homemakers Centre and Central West Livestock Exchange.

It is with great remorse to announce the community walk across Camp Street Bridge will not be going ahead as planned. The footpath will be open for the public on Sunday but the community day will not be able to take place due to the recent developments in the COVID-19 pandemic. The bridge will open to traffic on Monday 27 July 2020 after 11am.

God Bless. Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Mayoral Notes

July 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

This week begins the next stage of the Sculptures Down the Lachlan project, with 20 large-scale sculptures being embedded into our local region. It is so exciting to see this project come together and we can’t wait to see all the new visitors coming to town see them once the word gets out. The sculptures included in the trail will be like nothing we have ever seen before in the Central West. Tourism is so important for our region, it enables us to weather the storms that come from being in an agricultural area.

Our outdoor teams have been busy working on getting the Camp Street Bridge site ready for opening and it’s looking really great.

We have the COVID-19 Mobile Testing Centre coming back to Forbes next week Monday, 20 July in Harold St. I urge you all to come and get tested. We have done so well to date, let’s keep this virus at bay!

The Bulky Waste pick up will be on the week of 3-7 August. Clean out your garages and sheds and be ready for putting out on the kerbside for collection.

Council will be back in session next week and we look forward to discussing many great things including the Edward St subdivision. The subdivision will see 225 lots be opened up and it will be developed in stages so stay tuned we will have some exciting news regarding this very soon.

Until then, shop locally and God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Sculptures Down The Lachlan Expands

July 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Kim Muffet with Varanus the Goanna. The sculpture stands tall at five and a half metres.

The Forbes Art Society (FAS) with support from Evolution Mining and the Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils have commenced a remarkable, large scale art project in the Lachlan Valley NSW. This large-scale sculpture project has huge potential to inject much needed tourism dollars into the communities of the Lachlan Valley.

With State government funding received in 2019 from the NSW Regional Growth Tourism and Environment Fund, the project will see the installation of large-scale sculptures over an area of 100km through the Lachlan Valley to create an art trail of international recognition. The project will be undertaken over the next 18 months.

“We are so excited to see this project finally underway in our Shire,” says Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “This is an amazing opportunity for all partners involved and we are looking forward to its implementation for the growth and well-being of our shire and our region as a whole.”

The project has the potential to be a significant economic contributor to the Lachlan Valley and will help attract tourists to the region from far and wide.”

The Forbes Art Society’s vision for the project is to establish the Lachlan Valley as an iconic tourism destination featuring unique public art with 20 large sculptures placed along a trail extending from Forbes to Condobolin, recognised by their size and artistic merit.

“Our vision is that the trail will become an inland ‘Sculptures by the Sea’. But only permanent and sculptures much larger,” says Forbes Art Society Sculpture Committee Chair and co-creator of the trail, Dr Keith Mullette. “We are passionate about including all of the Lachlan Valley in this project and bringing people to our area as a destination and not just passing through.”

“We are working toward partnering with Sculptures by the Sea to enable us to promote artists and events to a wider audience. Encouraging coastal tourists to head inland and see incredible art in a very different but equally spectacular environment.”

The first sculpture to be installed is a 22-metre-long, 5.5-metre-tall galvanised steel Goanna named Varanus crafted by northern NSW sculptor Glen Star. “Anyone who has been camping in the bush has probably seen a lace monitor,” explains Glen.

“The second largest goanna, it grows up to 2 metres in length. The goanna is of special significance to the Wiradjuri people as a totemic animal, and a food source particularly during tough times.”

Glen Star began creating his own style while working as an industry technical specialist. He handcrafts each individual piece of quality steel completely by hand and eye, to ensure the sculpture is a truly unique showpiece.

The overall project will also see improvements at Gum Swamp, where, in addition to sculptures, three new bird hides will be constructed and a fourth improved. The site which is already a popular one for twitchers and ornithological fans, will see the experience for these visitors vastly improved, with boardwalks and walking tracks constructed. Also, part of the project is the rejuvenation of the former ambulance station into a cultural arts centre and café, hosting visiting artists and tourists alike.

“One of the most incredible aspects of this project is that it’s volunteer driven,” Phyllis went on to say. “Our shire, currently dependent on agriculture needs to build resilience and a project of this magnitude, will allow the community to weather the storms of droughts and floods by keeping the visitors coming.”

Falvey Ace

July 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Alby Callaghan, with Ian Bown, happily approaches his 85th birthday.

On Saturday, the Men played a two person Ambrose, sponsored by Brine Cure, in which 39 pairs participated despite the rain. A notable event on the day was the hole-in-one scored by George Falvey on the 3rd hole. George said it was not a good shot, so he was amazed to see it disappear into the hole.

The Scratch winners were John Betland and Todd Callaghan with 64 gross. They had a string of birdies in the front-9 which helped immensely. The Scratch runners-up were Peter Dawson and Mark Collits on 66 gross. They had the same as the winners on the front-9 but could not find the touch on the back-9.

The Handicap winners were Troy Howe and Charlie Dwyer who scored a nett 62 in difficult conditions. The Handicap runners-up were J Betland and T Callaghan, who played well enough to reduce their scratch score to 63.5.

The NTP’s went to 9th C Dwyer and 18th B Slack-Smith, both of whom got their 2’s. There were a couple of visitors, including James Grierson who is killing time until the Australian PGA re-starts.

Alby Callaghan enjoyed his game, moreso as he approaches his 85th birthday on 14 July. Congratulations Alby.

The Sunday Stableford Medley field was very low. The eventual winner was Adam Deane from Toukley on the Gold Coast with 37 points.

There will be programme changes for this weekend and for Thursday, 16 August, when the 27-Hole Mixed Foursomes is scheduled.

The Wallace Cup draw is on the Pro Shop noticeboard, so please check there for the details. It is up to the contestants to organise their match. Players still need to practice social distancing, even in the ‘Golfie’.

Saturday, 18 July is a 4BBB Stableford Medley, sponsored by the Hawke Family.

By Short Putt

Come And Walk The New Camp Street Bridge

July 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The final touches are being put on the new Camp Street Bridge and to celebrate, community members are invited to walk across Forbes’ newest piece of transport infrastructure before it is opened to traffic in coming days.

Transport for NSW Director West, Alistair Lunn said on Sunday, 26 July, community members will be invited to take part in a unique opportunity to appreciate and inspect the new bridge.

“The Forbes community has been keenly interested in the project since construction started in August last year and will soon enjoy the benefits of the new crossing over Lake Forbes,” Alistair said.

“This community day event will run from noon until 3pm and will include the opportunity for groups of 20 to walk across the bridge every 15 minutes. It will be a chance for the community to see the finished project up close after almost 12 months of work.”

During the community event anyone interested can join a guided walk over the bridge, visit the new heritage interpretation area, enjoy a free sausage sizzle, or purchase coffee and treats. The day will provide Forbes residents with the opportunity to see the much anticipated completion of the bridge, along with the landscaping and other features around the bridge that promise more public and community space for residents and visitors of Forbes.

Parking will be available on site with tours starting on the Camp Street side of the bridge.

An official opening ceremony will also take place earlier in the day to mark the occasion with limited numbers due to COVID-19 restrictions. Registrations are required for the day. To register your attendance and book a tour time visit nswroads.work/campstbridge phone 1800 167 499 or visit Forbes Shire Council’s Administration Office at 2 Court Street Forbes.

Our Gal – Gabriella Pereira

July 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Gabriella Pereira

What school do you go to and what do you like most about it? I go to St Laurence’s. The thing I like the most is the extra-curricular groups and activities like Tournament of the Minds and the Making Jesus Real team. I think we are very lucky to have the opportunity to be involved in these things.

What is your favourite subject at school and why? My favourite subject at school is art. I love sketching and being imaginative with different art styles. It’s really fun.

What makes you laugh the most? Enjoying silly jokes with my friends and sisters. My teacher makes me laugh a lot too.

What is your dream job? My dream job is to be an actress or movie director.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? I am a fan of Harry Potter and would like to be able to cast spells like a wizard.

What is something you are really good at? Playing the cello and art.

What is your pet hate? Spiders.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why? Paris, because I want to climb the Eiffel Tower.

Foodbank Feeds Forbes

July 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Adam Loftus, Karen Wright from Forbes CWA, driver Gary Thomas and Cassie Bush were at the Showgrounds on Wednesday to distribute fresh produce to those in need.

Fresh produce and pantry goods charity, Foodbank visited Forbes on Wednesday to distribute fresh produce and grocery hampers to people who are in need and struggling to afford basic food items. The Foodbank team leader Adam Loftus said the turn out was good, with a steady flow of families and farmers who came down on the day.

The charity, which runs off donations from farmers, the Sydney markets, and Waste Not Want Not, provides 22 million meals annually in NSW and ACT. The charity has seen an 80% increase in demand in 2020 alone, with 33% of donations distributed to regional NSW.

“This day could not have gone ahead without the help we have received from the Forbes CWA,” said Adam. Havana House, the CWA, Salvation Army and Nells Pantry have partnered with Foodbank to distribute any produce left-over on Wednesday.

“Farmers are so generous, so we like to pay it back,” Adam said about the Foodbank’s work in regional NSW. The organisation has seen new demographics of people attending the pop-up events and is working to connect local people with organisations in Forbes for ongoing support.

Staines A Shooting Star

July 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes’ Charlie Staines had crowds roaring when he debuted for the Penrith Panthers at the weekend. (Source: GETTY)

After his stunning debut at the weekend, Forbes’ very own sporting legend Charlie Staines is set to become a household name in football loving homes across Australia.

The rookie winger for the Penrith Panthers played an unforgettable debut last Saturday at the Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, becoming the second player in the Australian NRL’s 112-year history to score four tries in his first top grade game, after Jordan Atkins Gold Coast debut in 2008. Along with his four tries, six tackle busts and four line-breaks for the 56-24 win over the Sharks, it looks as though Charlie will land a more permanent position on the field.

A group of 20 supporters, including Charlie’s parents, travelled to Sydney from Forbes to support Charlie, who said it was “unreal” to see that they had all travelled such a long way to cheer him on.

It seems however, that his rapid rise to sporting fame may be put on hold due to an unfortunate breach of the NRL’s biosecurity protocols.

Despite his roaring success on the field, a short oversight of NRL biosecurity protocols has been met with a harsh penalty. Under the new COVID-19 NRL biosecurity rules, players can host a total of 10 visitors in their home each day, with a maximum of five visitors at any one time. This protocol was breached when Charlie hosted 10 guests, including his immediate family and four friends after Saturday’s game.

Due to an obvious “misunderstanding of the specifics of the guidelines”, Charlie was stood down from playing on Monday, but the Penrith Panthers and Charlie are working closely with the NRL to “ensure all necessary steps are taken to rectify the situation,” said Panthers CEO, Brian Fletcher.

Until then, Panthers’ supporters and the many Forbes’ supporters of Charlie will have to wait to see him shine on the field again.

(Information sourced from the official NRL website.)

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Subscribe