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Forbes Phoenix

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Happy Birthday To Forbes’ Favourite

July 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The beloved Forbes Bakehouse began in 1990 with one baker and three staff. They offered the traditional products of an artisan bakery, including cakes, pies, breads, and drinks. In the late 1990’s alfresco dining increased in popularity Australia-wide and The Bakehouse was quick to act and meet the demands of their customers, growing their business to include freshly brewed coffee, a salad bar and alfresco dining.

Thirty years on, The Bakehouse operates as a bakery and café that seats 60 and offers an extensive all-day menu, with options to suit all tastes. Whether customers choose to dine in, order online for takeaway or delivery or book for large groups, they can be confident that they are in the capable hands of the friendly team at The Bakehouse.

The Bakehouse currently employs a team of 21 staff, including bakers, chefs, cooks, baristas and wait staff. While employing an enthusiastic and friendly team of local staff members, The Bakehouse has ensured that their staff members are trained through apprenticeships and in-house training.

As the only business in Forbes to host theme nights, including open mic nights, Indian tapas, Mexican fiestas and more, The Bakehouse has transformed into an irreplaceable venue for entertainment and culinary adventures. You can hear Templar Street ringing with the sound of live mu- sic and laughter on their famously festive theme nights.

Staying true to their own style in evolving to cater to the needs and desires of their customers, The Bakehouse boasts funky, modern décor, with European Graffiti art and a comfortable space for customers of all ages, from nine-days-old to 99-years- old, their customers enjoy high quality, traditional and international cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.

Owned and operated by Kerry Hodder and her family, The Bakehouse takes immense pride in what they offer to their customers. The Bakehouse celebrated their 30th birthday on 19 June 2020.

Forbes And Eugowra Showground Upgrades

July 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council has received further funding for upgrades to the Forbes Showgrounds.

Upper House MP Sam Farraway announced this week that $155,751 in improvement works to four local showgrounds will be released as part of a NSW Government COVID-19 stimulus package.

Sam said Forbes, Parkes, Canowindra, and Eugowra showgrounds have been approved for further upgrade work to improve the safety, use and condition of their infrastructure and support jobs in the local economy.

“Our showgrounds play an important role at the heart of our communities so I welcome this further investment by the NSW Government,” Sam said.

“This investment by the NSW Government will provide a boost for our local showgrounds and the community by supporting trade work and strengthening showground infrastructure for the future. This funding follows the announcement last month of $551,093 in improvement works to showgrounds at Forbes, Orange, Canowindra, Manildra, Tullamore, Eugowra, Trundle, Molong, Bedgerabong, Cumnock, Cudal and Yeoval.”

Latest upgrades in the local area will include:
• $64,400 for Forbes Showground for repairs to the roof of the poultry pavilion
• $8,351 for Eugowra Showground to install desks and storage facilities and a kitchenette in the Secretary’s office.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the local showgrounds are among 153 across the state getting stimulus funding this financial year. “The showground stimulus program is generating economic activity in local economies impacted by COVID-19 while supporting the long-term sustainability of showgrounds right across NSW,” Melinda said.

The NSW Government has allocated a further $10.77 million to its showground stimulus program bringing the total to $35.77 million across the state. $23.27 million is being allocated this financial year to support showground upgrades and a further $12.5 million will be spent next financial year.

These works will help maintain the momentum on NSW efforts to lead the nation’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

Farmers’ Markets Returns

July 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

(Left) Pippa McConnell and Kerry Walker, who are on the Farmers’ Markets committee were thrilled with the turn out on Saturday. (Right) Christina L’Estrange, Dellis Richards and Marion Packhem were happy to see the markets return.

The Forbes Farmers’ Markets returned last Saturday, 27 June after several months of COVID-19 hiatus. Market goers and stall holders alike were in jovial spirits and it was certainly a sight for sore eyes to see the markets back in full swing.

The clear and sunny Saturday morning could not have been more inviting as Victoria Park was buzzing with both visitors and Forbes residents of all ages.

Pippa McConnell and Kerry Walker from the market committee were there to see, first-hand, the results of their hard work and dedication in organising the event and were thrilled with the turn-out.

There were 12 stall holders on Saturday which is a normal amount for the Forbes monthly event. “It was a pretty good mar- ket for us,” said Pippa. “The day was very well received by our stall holders, who did extremely well.”

The markets, which usually hosts between 12-15 market stalls, selling a range of goods, from sourdough breads, coffee, locally produced egg and bacon rolls, fresh fruit, vegetables, oil, honey, cakes and so much more, saw stall holders pleased with the crowd of eager markets goers, keen to show their support on the day.

“I think that more and more people are becoming aware of how important it is to make the effort to support our local growers and producers, especially since the COVID-19 restrictions were placed on businesses, which is really good to see,” Pippa said.

The markets are just one of many draw cards to bring visitors back into Forbes and the timely return of the monthly farmers markets came right on the back of the ‘We Want You Back’ Central West Tourism campaign.

The committee of four members who organise the markets exemplify the community spirit of the many volunteers in Forbes. The next markets are due to take place on 25 July.

For further information and updates, check out the Forbes Farmers’ Markets Facebook and Instagram pages.

Runaway Victory In Foursomes Championships

July 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Ken Sanderson displaying fine form in Saturday’s Round 1 of the Foursomes Champs.

Last weekend the men played the Foursomes Championship, sponsored by AAA Septic Services, over 36-holes on two days of the weekend. Numbers on each day were good throughout.

The results on day one saw the Scratch led by John Betland and Andrew Dukes on 78, Peter Dawson and Dan Bayley back on 83. The Handicap was led by Hamish Steele-Park and Tony Cogswell on 66.5 nett, ahead of Randall Grayson and Tony Wallace on 71 nett.

The day one ball sweep went to 75.5 nett: 71 – R Grayson/T Wallace; 73.5 – B Slack- Smith/A McDonald, T Morgan/ J Ridley, K Sanderson/S Grallelis; 74 – M Simmonds/L Whitfield; 74.5 – G Falvey/D Kennedy, R Morris/S Kirkman; 75 – A Hogan/B Coles; 75.5 L O’Connor/N McMillan, N Ryan/A Grogan. The NTP’s went to: 9th – John Zannes, 18th – Hamish Steele-Park.

The day two ball sweep went to 74 nett: 70.5 – T Morgan/ J Ridley; 72 – West/S Betland, Whitfield/Simmonds; 73 – French/ Herbert, C Dwyer/ T Howe; 74 – J Betland/A Dukes. The NTP’s went to: 9th – N McMil- lan; 18th – C Hurford.

The day one nett prize winners were Hamish Steele-Park and Tony Cogswell on 66.5 nett. The day two nett prize winners were Falvey and Kenendy on 68.5 nett.

The overall results and Championship winners:
• Scratch Champions – J Betland/A Dukes 154, from Runners-up T West/S Betland on 165 on count back.
• Handicap Champions – G Falvey/D Kennedy with 143 nett, on count back from H Steele-Park/T Cogswell on 143.

Do not forget the farewell to Ben Gear and Som, scheduled for 4 July, immediately following the Men’s competition presentation. Please provide donations for a gift to Ladies’ Captain Heather Davidson or Men’s Captain Steve Grallelis.

Saturday 4 July is a Monthly Medal, sponsored by Walkers Ag-n-Vet. Sunday 5 July has a Stableford Medley, and an event at Caragabal.

By Short Putt

Forbes Public School Prep 4 Big School

July 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The staff at Forbes Public School are proud of the culture of care embedded daily at their school and enjoy sharing high expectations, maintaining a tradition of excellence.

Staff work together to ensure students are known, valued, and cared for. The school shares a commitment to the academic and personal growth of all students, delivering a focused curriculum. Forbes Public School offers the opportunity to engage in specialised Sport programs, Enrichment and Engagement programs within and across inter-school settings, Learning and Support programs and Student Leadership initiatives.

Forbes Public School sits within a vibrant learning community of students, their supportive families, and a motivated team of staff, making it an inspiring place to learn, create, play, and grow.

‘Prep 4 Big School’ commences Monday 24 August and Kinder Start Commences Wednesday 28 October.

Virtual Pharmacy Research Supporting Local Health

July 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Cristen Fleming, Lead Virtual Pharmacist.

A research project in eight hospitals is being used to examine how telehealth technology can connect local staff to pharmacy experts to help improve safety and outcomes for patients.

Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Rural Director of Medical Services, Dr Shannon Nott, said, “The Virtual Clinical Pharmacy Service is part of a research project that aims to improve the use of medications for patients at hospitals without an onsite hospital pharmacist.”

Using telehealth, local healthcare teams work with ‘virtual pharmacists’ to review each patient’s medications, provide advice and make recommendations.

The introduction of the Virtual Clinical Pharmacy Service has drawn strong support from rural hospitals, who see early benefits for their patients.

The eight sites, six from WNSWLHD and two from FWLHD taking part in the project are, Balranald MPS, Bourke MPS, Canowindra Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Cobar Hospital, Gilgandra MPS, Narromine Hospital, Warren MPS and Wentworth MPS.

The project will finish in June 2021, with the results used to guide any future expansion.

Link-Up At Forbes North Public School

July 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

For many years Forbes North Public School has provided a unique transition-to-school program in the year prior to starting Kindergarten. The ‘Link-Up to School’ program has been operating for 15 years and has provided a strong foundation for the commencement of formal schooling for over 500 Forbes children. Link-Up operates every Tuesday for the entire school year. Students can experience all that Forbes North has to offer, while also learning the skills that will set them up for on-going success at school.

In 2020 Forbes North made the decision to combine all kindergarten students into one class, opening a huge shared learning space. With their combined experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to every student, teachers Mrs Karaitiana and Ms Welsh as well as learning support officer Mrs Ashcroft, are achieving wonderful results with their youngest students.

Forbes North are currently accepting enrolments for Kindergarten and Link-Up for 2021. If you would like your child to be part of this dynamic learning environment, please contact the school on 68522187 or drop into the office in Thomson Street.

National Approach To Managing Wild Dog Scourge

July 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Image credit: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/

Australia’s new blueprint for humane, best practice wild dog management officially took effect from 1 July.

Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud praised the way government and industry stakeholders collaborated on the new National Wild Dog Action Plan.

“Wild dogs are terribly destructive pests, costing farmers conservatively upwards of $89 million a year in lost production and control costs,” David said. “They can decimate livestock, tearing down sheep and goats at will, and in doing so, can hurt rural and regional economies because of the destruction they wreak and anxiety they cause.”

Having a clear, coordinated and borderless national plan to guide farmers and other stakeholders on the best strategies and safest tools for livestock and biodiversity protection is critical for rural and regional communities as they recover from COVID-19, bushfires and drought.

David applauded the way producers, peak farming bodies, governments and research and development corporations came together to ensure control measures are evidence-based and best practice. “Wild dog management is an Australian Government priority, with over $54 million invested in wild dog management since 2014-15, including recent wild dog fencing commitments in South Australia and Western Australia,” he said.

“The National Wild Dog Action Plan has already proved an exemplar in the way we should be approaching Australian predator management.”

The National Biosecurity Committee endorsed the National Wild Dog Action Plan 2020-2030 as the national plan for the co-ordinated management of wild dogs on 11 March 2020.

Mayoral Notes

July 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Welcome to the new financial year! We have an exciting year ahead with many great projects planned for Forbes this year. You would have heard Council was lucky to receive funding from Stronger Country Communities for the new Ninja Park and Spooner Oval lighting. The Ninja Park is an exciting addition to Forbes. We will place the park near the Skate Park, making the area the best youth precinct in the Central West! Spooners will receive new energy efficient lighting for the oval making the oval much more user friendly for training and night-time games.

We were also lucky to receive $1 million for the Drought Communities Program from the Federal Government. This work includes some wonderful projects around town including the upgrades to the Rotunda in Victoria Park. This Rotunda was built in 1881 and is utilised regularly by many community groups and events. It will be wonderful to see this get some TLC.

The toddlers pool at the Forbes Olympic Pool will also have maintenance work completed, hopefully in time for summer. The heated pool is in its final design stages for work to begin very soon.

These amazing projects will help our community economically with continued employment of locals carrying out the majority of the work. This is a win-win given the current situation. It is also an investment in our town’s facilities for both the community and tourists to enjoy.

God Bless.
Your Mayor, Phyllis Miller

Prompt, Proactive And Accurate Advice At David Bicket

July 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

David Bicket CPA is your local go to business for all taxation, accounting, financial and business issues. No job is too big or too small. They also specialise in succession, retirement and estate planning matters.

Since 2002, David and his staff have been servicing the needs of a diverse client base with their knowledge and expertise well recognised. With an understanding that no two businesses are the same and requires different levels of support, the firm can be relied upon for prompt, proactive and accurate advice delivered in a friendly and personal manner.

The staff members include Toni Hall, Lisa Bicket and Michael Reilly. Toni has been with the firm for over 13 years and specialises in all small business accounting software packages. Since 2002 Lisa has been the backbone of the business as office administrator/allrounder. Michael brings a wealth of professional, practical and commercial experience to the practice. Michael, a born and bred Parkes local, is a qualified Chartered Accountant and spent time in Sydney before returning where he was part of a major Forbes-based accounting practice in the 1990s.

Call today and make an appointment for your financial and taxation needs.

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