Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Croquet News

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Golf Croquet Results 9th June
A great start for Golf Croquet after the lockdown. The courts were in perfect condition and the lawn courts were mowed and short. There were five winners of the three games namely: Bruce Field, John Job, Kevin Rubie, Jill Rubie and Bill Scott. Some of the closest games on the day were:

• Mal Smith, Colleen Liebich 7, def Harley Stewart, Merv Langfield 6.
• Ray Burridge 7, def Alec Todd, Jenny Job 6.
• Mal Smith, Colleen Liebich 7, def Harley Stewart, Merv Langfield 6.
• Jeff Liebich, Libby Smart 8, def Jill Rubie. Ruth Cheney 5.
• Lorraine Todd, Bill Scott 14, def John Cole, Alec Todd 6.
• Tony Thomson, Ruth Poles 7, def Marie Spry 6.
• Kevin Rubie, Neville Spry 7, def John Browne, John Cole 6.
• Kevin Rubie, Ray Burridge 8, def Libby Smart, Lyn Simmonds 6.
• Jill Rubie, Merv Langfield 8, def Bob Murray, Alec Todd 7.

Aussie Croquet Results 13th June
Saturday saw a record of 35 players for Aussie Croquet. Visitor Campbell Rubie graced the courts for his second or third visit. He is a fantastic young player with perfect vision. The club bought new hoops which seem narrower than the old ones. Most players have had problems with getting the balls through the narrow space but not Campbell Rubie. The club hopes to see more of him and has encouraged him to bring some friends along, they will be very welcome. There were five winners of three games. They were: John Browne, Ray Burridge, Marie Spry, John Cole and Joan Littlejohn.

Soccer Returns For 2020

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Soccer Club superstar Josie McKenzie on the field.

The Forbes Soccer Club Committee have been busily preparing training and competition guidelines in accordance with Football NSW Guidelines and NSW Health so that all participants can return to a safe and successful 2020 season.

The Club has been successful in gaining a variety of Funding Grants for Events, Development and Pathways Programs, as well as renovations to the old change rooms to establish a Sports Injury Management Room from the NSW Government Building Stronger Country Communities Fund, NSW Office of Sport, Lake Cowal Evolution Mining and North Parkes Community Investment Program.

Commencing Saturday 18 July, the Forbes local competition for Under 4s, 5s, 6s, 7s, 9s and 12s will recommence and continue until Saturday 19 September. Some Saturdays will also involve double headers where the boys and girls will play two games of shortened game time.

The Forbes selective under 12, 14s and 17s will participate in the Young Grenfell Forbes youth league competition from 25 July until 26 September.

The Parkes Ladies competition which features a ladies’ team from Forbes will commence Saturday 4 July. The Lachlan Amateur Association men’s competition is expected to commence around the same time.

Registrations will continue until Saturday 4 July with players having the option to register online at http://www.playfootball.com.au or face to face at Sweet 3 Vintage Van by the Lake, 10am-12.30pm every Saturday until 4 July.

The club is committed to providing value for money, professional coaching, a safe and happy environment and healthy opportunities for children and youth to participate in sporting activities.

Victoria Park, a beautiful place for all to enjoy.

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Andrew Henderson from Baldry enjoying the sunshine in Victoria Park.

Tom Nelson got stuck into a good book.

Tafe students Danielle Merlino and Harley Stonham taking a break from study in the park.

Army Of Volunteers

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

If you’ve had enough of sitting at home, the Salvos Stores in Parkes and Forbes would love to welcome you as a volunteer.

While the donations did not dry up during the COVID-19 isolation period as many people were cleaning out their homes, the Salvos Stores are in need of more volunteers.

Corpse Officer Sandra Walmsley said anyone is welcome to call into one of the shops and offer their services. She cautioned though that people over 70 years would have to wait until all the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

The Food Of Kindness

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

HELPING HAND… Derrick Milling of Georgie’s Pantry and founding member of Central West Food Rescue Elliot Redwin unload produce from the refrigerated truck at the pantry in Parkes.

When the drought really tightened its grip on farmers more than a year ago, Rhonda had no idea what an impact the flyer she found about Georgie’s Pantry in Parkes would have on her.

“It was getting pretty tough, and I saw the flyer about free groceries for farmers. I was one of the first to rock up and became one of the regulars.”

Rhonda said she soon realised it was not just about the groceries, but also the social aspect. “Everyone there is just so friendly and understanding. I look forward to going there every week and catch up on the latest news.”

She said the pantry helps so many farmers from all over the Central West, including Forbes and enables them to pay other bills not having the expense of groceries. “It is also fantastic to know that all that food won’t go to waste.”

As a founding member of Food Rescue Central West, Georgie’s Pantry is part of a network of nine agencies reaching over 2,000 clients in an area covering 63,000km2.

The project supports soup kitchens, hands out emergency food hampers and runs community pantries and gets support from food relief charities, such as Second Bite. It has been operational since March after they secured a grant from the Environmental Trust to buy a refrigerated truck and refrigerated storage in Bathurst, as well as fridges for Georgie’s.

“It was a significant achievement to get it off the ground, let alone run it,” said founding member Elliot Redwin from Bathurst.

He deliveries 10t of food to all the member agencies once a week. “From Parkes they go out even as far as Walgett and Lightning Ridge.” He said Georgie’s Pantry was hands down the most successful in accessing the farming community. “We can all learn a lot from what has happened at Georgie’s, and they are happy to share their knowledge.”

“The rain might have come, but we will continue to help the farmers until there’s been a harvest. It has been fantastic to be able to help up to 60 farming families each week.”

Our Gal – Julie Hurkett

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Julie Hurkett

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I’ve lived here all my life; I like that I can walk up the street and know lots of people. It’s a great community when anyone needs help.

What was your first job? My first job was tennis coaching. I played a lot of tennis and used to help with coaching.

What makes you laugh the most? My husband and grandchildren.

If money were no object, what would you do with your time? Play golf.

Describe your dream holiday? Family and friends by the sea.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Probably our family holidays down at Narrabeen.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? I think I would love the Sunshine Coast, maybe 10 years ago, before COVID-19. Forbes is a lovely spot, but the coast would be great for the weather.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? My Nana Toole, my husband, and my father-in-law.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? To make people in the world more tolerant of other people’s choices.

What is your pet hate? People who judge others without trying to understand.

Talking Real Estate with Tara

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

When looking at renting out a property there are a few things that can mean the difference between a successful investment, and a real estate nightmare.

It is crucial to have a property manager who stays on top of maintenance and has a great relationship with local tradespeople. When looking for a property manager, investors should look for one that is going to maintain the property, so the quality remains.

Consistency and integrity during regular property inspections, clear and concise communication with owners about the required repairs, as well as proactively organising repairs with tradespeople, are just some essential requirements of a successful property manager. Leaving repairs for an extended amount of time only creates larger problems, so we work to identify anything that needs doing and try to organize repairs as soon as possible to avoid further issues.

At Century 21, Tara and her team keep property owners updated throughout the repair process, ensuring the work has been done and to a high standard and sending images of the completed work for peace of mind.

The Century 21 property management team has an excellent relationship with local tradespeople which makes all the difference when getting the job completed to a high standard and in a suitable time frame. For investors to be certain that their property is well looked after and that the value of their property continues to increase, look no further than Tara and her team at Century 21 Central West. For more information about how the property management team at Century 21 can assist you with your investment property, please feel free to contact us today!

Small School Making A Big Difference

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Parkes Christian School runs a bus service for their wonderful students from Forbes.

For those thinking about moving schools, Parkes Christian School (PCS) has all the benefits of a small school while still providing all the opportunities of bigger institutions. The staff at PCS pride themselves on getting to know every student individually in order to understand their goals and help students achieve them. School Principal Glen Westcott said, that for staff to be able to achieve this, it is vital that PCS retains its small-school culture.

“We are committed to remaining a small school despite the fact that we are continually growing,” Glen said.

There are currently 30 students enrolled in Year 7, which is the normal size of a class in a bigger school, however PCS has split the class into two streams of 15 students.

“Having these smaller class sizes allows us to work with the students more closely, and really understand their learning needs, which allows us to focus on helping them achieve their goals, rather than aiming for a mark in a test,” Glen said.

The other benefit of being a smaller school is one that many people don’t expect, Glen explains: “We often get asked about extra-curricular activities, and people assume that we can’t provide the same opportunities as bigger schools, however, our students are involved in all the same activities as other schools – from academic competitions to school musicals, sporting teams and charity events.”

“And because we are a smaller school, all our kids can get involved. Our kids leave school with very impressive resumes because they can be involved in so many activities. This serves them extremely well when they apply for jobs or university.”

PCS is enrolling now for 2021 but only has limited spaces available in Kindergarten and Year 7. If you would like to book a tour of the school, call 6862 4164.

New Restrictions From 15 June At CWLE

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Central West Livestock Exchange (CWLE) is moving into Stage 2 of the recovery from COVID-19, with the allowance of agents, vendors, restockers and contractors on site while business is being conducted from 15 June.

“The Saleyards are not open to the general public, if you are not conducting direct business here please do not come,” says Forbes Shire Council’s General Manager, Steve Loane, who also advised that “we require all to follow some simple guidelines when attending the facility. Please fill out the attendance form before turning up at the yards. Failing to do so only results in long queues at the gate, which nobody appreciates. This form can be found on our website and the agents also have access to it.

“We know how important it is for our farming community to have a chance to catch up with fellow stock men and women and talk about their trials and tribulations. This place is a common meeting ground and everyone’s mental health needs considering,” Steve said.

For further information please contact Central West Livestock Exchange manager Cassi Walmsley on 6850 2300.

Good Scores Win Medals

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Troy Howe and Charlie Dwyer watch as Peter Grayson’s shot flies over the 9th into the trees.

Last Saturday was the Men’s competition, the June Monthly Medal, sponsored by BWR Accountants & Advisors, with 93 players taking the field.

The A-Grade winner came in the last group, with a nett 65 by Andrew Dukes. Runner-up was John Betland with 68, and the best scratch score of the day. The B-Grade went to Niel Duncan on 67 nett, on count back from Dave Rhodes, who missed out once again.

The C-Grade also required a count back, with Troy Howe winning ahead of Liam Whitfield when both finished on 68 nett. The ball sweep went to 73 nett on count back, with 26 lucky players. Players should check in the Pro Shop for their name. The NTP’s were both close shots, 9th – J Bet- land and 18th – B Slack-Smith.

Visitors included Andrew Brownlow from Peak Hill, Cameron Standen and Alec Edwards from Parkes, and Neal Herbert from Bogan Gate. Merv Lowing from Orbost is still around but has not been able to play due to some health issues. Say ‘Hi’ when you see him.

An ‘eagle’ was scored by Randall Grayson on the 2nd hole, after some fine shots and Bruce Chandler skipped his shot over the 15th water, which rolled all the way to the green.

The Sunday Stableford Medley was very quiet, due to the chilly conditions. The winner was Barb Drabsch with 31 points. There was no runner-up or ball sweep, and once again no NTP’s were contested.

Head Pro Ben has accepted an offer to work in Cairns. Club members are planning a ‘Farewell Night’ on 4 July, where some speeches and a presentation will be made. To manage the social-distancing aspects please advise Ladies’ Captain Heather Davidson, or Men’s Captain Steve Grallelis if you would like to attend. Donations for a gift can be provided to the Captains.

Despite a few changes, the Forbes Golf Club is now back-on-track with our scheduled programme. Some minor adjustments may still be made, but important Club events are okay.

Keep in touch on Facebook/forbesgolfcourse, Instagram forbesgolf2871, or at www.forbesgolf.org.au.

By Short Putt

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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