Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Snippets…

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Beau Wheeldon is the first CWCU Sports Achiever recipient of 2020.

CWCU First Sports Achiever Of 2020: Beau Wheeldon has been awarded the Central West Credit Unions ‘Sports Achiever January 2020’ for competing in the regional Little Athletics Carnival where he qualified to compete in the NSW Track and Field Championships in four events. Beau broke the record as he won the 100m sprint, he also came 1st place in the 70m sprint and came in at 2nd place for long jump and the 200m sprint. A very well-deserved recognition for this local athletic superstar.

Do you know when to REACH? Hospitals and Multipurpose Services across the Southern Sector of the Western NSW LHD (WNSWLHD) will be rolling out the REACH system. The REACH model is already in place across the Central and Northern Sectors of the WNSWLHD. REACH is a system that helps patients, their families and carer/s escalate their concerns with staff about worrying changes in a patient’s condition. The REACH model is a graded approach to patient and family activated escalation:
• Recognise: patients and families can often recognise signs of deterioration before they are clinically evident.
• Engage: we encourage patients and families to engage with their treating team if they are concerned that ‘something is not right’.
• Act: patients and families can request a ‘clinical review’.
• Call: patients and families can call for an independent review if they are still concerned and other avenues are exhausted.
• Help: help will be on its way In Western NSW when you call our REACH number your call will be answered by a nurse from our virtual care team. They will coordinate an independent review of the patient.

If they do not help you with your concerns or the condition is getting worse then ACT. Ask to speak to the Nurse in Charge. Ask for a “Clinical Review”. This should occur within 30 minutes.

Junior Sport Returns: Forbes and District Soccer Club training has commenced this week for their under 14s and 17s and competitive games will begin on 1 July. Forbes Junior AFL and Auskick have also announced that competition will resume 24 July at Gaggin Oval and will run for 10 weeks, until 18 September. Sports Clubs will need to adhere to COVID-19 policies and regulations as advised by the games state body and players and families will be advised of any upcoming changes.

Milla Bruen and Josie Mckenzie are looking forward to kicking off the 2020 soccer season.

What will you miss the most post lockdown?

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Margaret Vogelsang: What I’ll miss is the low rate of influenza infection in NSW. I’m afraid the rates will go up when people forget to wash their hands and keep their social distance.

Fred Vogelsang: I think people got closer together as a community during lockdown, and I hope we don’t lose that.

An Army Of Support

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Sandra Walmsley and her team of volunteers are grateful to have their doors open again, especially during the cooler months.

When Sandra Walmsley, Corpse Officer of the Forbes and Parkes Salvation Army, arrived in town in January this year, she could not have predicted the changes coming her way. Previously stationed in Deniliquin for five years, Sandra could not believe her luck at being sent to Forbes. “Forbes is a bit like coming home,” she said. “I got married here, it’s where my husband is from and our friends are here so it’s good to come back to familiar surroundings.”

Prior to the pandemic, the Forbes Family Store operated with 10 volunteers and now, due to their ages, the store is running on five volunteers who are working tirelessly to process the donations from generous Forbes residents.

With an abundance of donations, Sandra was thankful that the Forbes community did not flood donation bins, which have to sit in a 72-hour quarantine before being processed. “There is a fair bit of work to be done. Every op shop is always busy and while there is a lot to do, these family stores are a great way to connect to the community. It is a shop that services so many in the community regardless of wealth.”

“It was challenging for us to keep our doors closed with the recent dramatic change in weather, it’s when vulnerable people in our community rely on us the most,” Sandra said, who also wanted to assure the public that unsold items are not thrown away. “The Salvation Army sends stock that isn’t sold locally to One Ten, a charity organisation that supports widows and single women in Africa by mending damaged items and sending them on to communities where they are needed.”

Long term plans for the store are slowly taking shape, with plans for a community space where people can come in and have a cup of tea and chat. Volunteers and members of the public who want to connect and combat loneliness are always welcome.

Golfers Enjoy The Weekend

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Anne-Maree Gaffney and Jackie Devonport social distance while they check scores after their game.

Last weekend, instead of the CanAssist charity event, the competition was an Individual Stableford event sponsored by the FGA Events Committee. The 84 players showed keen competition.

The Division 1 Winner Matt Roylance emerged from the pack with 40 points. The Runner-up on 39 points was Dave Rhodes, who has done well over the last couple of weeks. The Division 2 was won by Stephen McAlister with 40 points, on count back from Runner-up Bede Tooth.

The ball sweep went to 32 points on count back and was distributed to 23 players. Check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to J Earl and G Newport. The best ‘2’ was Craig Barrett’s on the 1st hole.

A warm welcome to visitors Stephen Neal and Scott Galloway from Wentworth, Stuart Hayes from Murrumbidgee, Scott Malcom from Woollahra, and James Redden from West Wyalong. Well done guys.

Golfers bid a sad farewell to Digit McAuliffe, who is returning to Nelson Bay to live. The Men’s players are reminded to ensure their card is completed correctly, or any errors may lead to disqualification. If need be, seek help from Head Pro Ben, or Men’s Captain Stevie G.

The Sunday Stableford Medley Winner was Ash Hogan on 38 pts from Runner-up Bess Shields on 35. Ball sweep went to 34 – B Drabsch and F Dupp from Mollymook.

The Monday Stableford Medley Winner was Ethel Coombs on 40 pts from Runner-up Brianna Duncan on 35. Ball sweep went to E Gaffney, B Shields, B Robinson, R Hamilton, W Judge, J Betland, N Death, and P Dawson. The NTP’s were 9th A Dukes and 18th B Shields.

Saturday 13 June is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by BWR Accountants & Advisors. Sunday will have a Stableford Medley, with the LVDGA Pennants cancelled.

By Short Putt

Newell Highway Progress Continues

June 5, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Newell Highway.

Councils along the 1,700km highway recently met over video conference for the quarterly Newell Highway Task Force Committee (NHTF) meeting, hearing from transport industry representatives and the relevant government departments.

Chair of the Newell Highway Task Force Committee, Cr Ken Keith OAM said, “despite the unprecedented times our organisations are currently navigating, it is positive to hear that progress continues to be made on a number of significant projects along the Newell.”

Director Western Transport for NSW, Alistair Lunn provided an update on the construction of 30 overtaking lanes along the Newell Highway.

Tenders have been closed for flood studies to occur between Forbes and West Wyalong. A detailed study of that area has been done and planning is now underway to engage with councils and landowners over the coming months.

Despite a push from the NHTF for a grade separation off state highways with the Inland Rail for safety reasons, ARTC recently declined to fund such upgrades at the Tichborne level crossing between Parkes and Forbes.

NHTF resolved to continue to lobby the Federal Government and will write to the The Hon. Michael McCormack MP and the Department of Infrastructure.

Deep Breaths And Tall Talent

June 5, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes’ own Brad Holmes and Adam Enslow filming the Deep Breaths music video.

Forbes artist Brad Holmes has teamed up with local producer Adam Enslow for the recording and filming of his stunning new track, Deep Breaths, which is set to be released in early July. The song combines thought provoking lyrics with an irresistible beat that is set to put Brad’s name in the spotlight.

Forbes is incredibly fortunate to have a local production company and recording studio. Not only can recording artists in the Forbes Shire area record locally, but they can create videos, songs and more in a premium facility from start to finish. Having high quality production facilities in Forbes means that local artists do not need to travel into larger cities to record, nor do they need to deal with the plethora of obstacles involved in such a project, including travel costs and timing constraints.

Although Brad has been writing for many years, Deep Breaths is his first professionally recorded song thanks to Forbes producer and owner of StartFast Productions, Adam Enslow. What began as a voice recording on Facebook Messenger from Brad to Adam has kicked off an exciting journey which is sure to pave the way for more local talent to take the initiative that Brad has, by recording and releasing their own music.

While Forbes is bursting with an array of incredibly gifted artists and musicians, the prospect of seeking a producer and releasing their music can be confusing and expensive.

Brad hopes that his initiative will encourage other artists to follow their dreams. “Recording and filming has been very exciting and I am learning so much. I hope what we have achieved can inspire other people to take deep breaths and reach their own goals ” Brad said.

Deep Breaths by Brad Holmes will be released on all major platforms including iTunes, Spotify and GooglePlay in the coming weeks.

Mayoral Notes

June 5, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Well, the cold snap has come as a bit of a shock after the beautiful weekend weather we had last week. Winter really made itself known on 1 June!

It has been great to see the opening of two new businesses in Forbes last week and things returning to normality, especially in time for the long weekend. If you are travelling this weekend, please drive carefully and be safe. Please take care and remain healthy by practicing social distancing.

There has been lots of activity in the farming industry recently with tractors, plough- ing and sowing. Let us hope this coming year is profitable for everyone.

With the lifting of dining restrictions last weekend, I went out for dinner with friends, we were like kids in a lolly shop! I think we took everything for granted prior to COVID-19 and I am now so grateful for everything in my life.

Council had a great Finance and Infra- structure meeting on Monday. We viewed the Templar Street plans and the car park for Lions Park. Asset Management Plans are being done, thank you to Jason and Wafi, ably led by Stefan. These are important plans for our infrastructure well into the future.

We have so many wonderful projects in the pipeline for our amazing town, I will keep you updated on their progress.

Take care. God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Snippets…

June 5, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Mayor Phyllis Miller and Store Manager Preshant Changela on the first day of business for Forbes KFC.

Fast Food For Forbes: Winter began with a bang with KFC Forbes opening its doors to a delighted public on Monday, 1 June. Mayor Phyllis Miller was first in line to support the second of two new businesses in Forbes which has seen a steady and enthusiastic flow of customers in their first week of business.

Don’t Be Fooled: On World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 31 May Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) highlighted that the use of tobacco products or electronic cigarettes by adults and youth cannot be considered safe. WNSWLHD Smoking Cessation Coordinator, Nakarri Ferguson, said “Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are devices which produce a vapour that the user breathes in, simulating the act of cigarette smoking”.

E-cigarettes have been found to contain a range of toxins such as heavy metals and cancer-causing substances such as formaldehyde, as well as particulate matter that can damage the lungs. A concern that is being raised by the World Health Organisation for this year’s WNTD, is the marketing of e-cigarettes to children and young people. “Many e-cigarette liquids come in flavours that are attractive to young people such as fruit and confectionery flavours.”

It is estimated that 8.1% of the population of NSW smoke e-cigarettes. Of particular concern is that the NSW School Students Health Behaviours Survey revealed that 12.9% of NSW secondary school students had used an e-cigarette at least once and 3.9% had used e- cigarettes in the previous four weeks. For support to quit smoking call the Quitline on 13 78 48, or visit www.icanquit.com.au

New Mums And New Mums to Forbes: Forbes Community Health will be running a Telehealth Virtual new mums group for all the first time mums or mums new to the area. This is a great way to meet new people, get advice or support and even make lifelong friendships. The group is on Mondays from 10am for five weeks. For registration details mums can contact Jane O’Malley on 6850 7310 or via email jane.omalley@health.nsw.gov.au

Ready For Visitors: Forbes Visitor Information Centre reopened their doors on Monday and are ready to serve visitors to Forbes. While the cake and craft shop inside the centre will remain closed, it is a step toward business as usual in town.

The Forbes Visitor and Information Centre is open again.

Golfers Out In Force

June 5, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Ken Sly showing good form as he watches his tee shot.

The Men’s competition on Saturday, 30 May was an Individual Stroke event, sponsored by the Country Mile Motor Inn, and played by a large field of 95 which shows support for the sport. The Division 1 winner was Ethan Gaffney, scoring a 72 nett. Michael Spice, with 73 nett, won the race for the Runner-up after a count back against four other players. Division 2 was won by Robert Scott with 69 nett, over a newcomer Riley Pike with 70 nett. Robert was pleased to show form again, and Riley is dreading his imminent handicap drop.

The ball sweep went to 77 nett on count back. With the large field there were 27 balls distributed so players are urged to check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to: 9th – L O’Connor and 18th – D Churchill. Neither player got their ‘2’, of which there were only seven over-all.

Forbes golfers welcomed visitors Michael O’Malley from Catalina on the Central Coast, William Clayton from Bowral, Geoff Stephens from Dubbo, and Ian Wark and Neigel Tait from Yowani on the Gold Coast. One unfortunate player had to walk the last eight holes when his cart died.

The Sunday Stableford Medley had good support and the winner was Bess Shields with 39 points. Runner-up was Michael Wood with 32 points. The ball sweep went to E Coombs and B Drabsch but once again no NTP’s were contested.

Players are reminded to check their score cards carefully before ‘okaying’ the scan. Keep the cards clean and tidy and avoid letting the signature encroach onto the last few cards.

With a relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions there is now little need to change the programme dramatically, other than for any intense weather events. Players shall be notified if there are any changes.

Saturday, 6 June will not be the ‘CanAssist Day’ and will instead be a Stableford event. Stableford Medley’s are scheduled for Sunday and Monday.

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

By Short Putt

Reconciliation; In This Together 2020

June 5, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Fletcher Morrison and Max Davies delighted in the cultural celebration of National Reconciliation Week.

National Reconciliation Week has been celebrated differently this year in Forbes. National Reconciliation Week is celebrated from 27 May to 3 June each year with these dates commemorating the anniversaries of the 1967 referendum and the Mabo decision. The week-long celebration calls for Australians to explore and engage in the conversation of reconciliation.

While Forbes Preschool would normally invite families and partners from the community into the preschool for a BBQ and activities, this year has seen a focus on discussion and understanding.

Forbes Preschool won the 2019 Narragunnawali for their implementation of the principles of reconciliation. These principles aim to foster pride and knowledge in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

Preschool Director Amy Shine said that this year, in the yarning circle, children and educators discussed “who we are and where we belong.” Amy added that the preschool has been utilising social media to connect to and engage with the community.

Forbes is fortunate to have Wiradjuri elders who bring so much cultural enrichment and historical insight into the area, with many having witnessed tremendous change in their lifetimes.

While the usual Reconciliation Week celebrations couldn’t go ahead this year due to restrictions and Dreaming Centre upgrades, “It’s still important for non-Aboriginal Australians to learn about the history of this ancient land,” said Wiradjuri elder Aileen Allen.

“To me, reconciliation is about closing the gap together and we are making steady progress,” adding “respect and understanding go hand in hand.”

Forbes Preschool is celebrating National Reconciliation Week in small groups this year.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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