Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Forbes Families Welcome Reopening Of Parks And Playgrounds

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Parker Claire headed straight for his favourite park equipment, the slippery dip.

Outdoor parks and playgrounds reopened to the public from Friday last week, with many families coming out over the weekend to enjoy their favourite playgrounds in Forbes. The highly anticipated reopening of the Ski Dam playground has been celebrated throughout the Shire with a steady flow of families enjoying the much-loved playground and upgraded facilities that received finishing touches this week and are now ready for the public to enjoy.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM acknowledged the enthusiasm of the community for life to return to normal but urged residents to continue to be mindful when returning to parks and playgrounds, asking residents to “keep the health of your family and others in mind when using the equipment.”

No longer bound by the eyesore of fluorescent orange safety bunting, Forbes playgrounds are looking more inviting than ever. However, there is still a limit of 10 people at playgrounds in the Forbes Shire at any one time. The limit was largely respected over the weekend, with families staying mindful of numbers and time spent in the area.

“We are so proud of the work completed around our beautiful Ski Dam, you must come and have a look,” said Mayor Miller. “I must congratulate our amazing staff who have worked tirelessly to bring all of this to fruition, well done.” The upgrade includes multiple seating and dining areas, BBQ facilities and soft green grass, all centred around the picturesque nature playground overlooking the water.

Snippets…

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Kathy Collitis is back at Council’s customer service counter.

Council Offices Open to the Public Again: Forbes Shire residents can pay their accounts at Council’s Customer Service counter again after closing in March due to COVID-19. The Council advises a maximum of three people are allowed in the customer service area at any one time.

Entry to the foyer is available through the electric sliding doors in Harold Street. Everyone is asked to wait outside until space is available. Those leaving the foyer will let the next customer know it is their turn.

Council asks that people with cold and/or flu-like symptoms do not enter the building but rather call the administration office on 6850 2300.

The community are reminded to use the Local Assistance Line should they have queries regarding services and assistance due to COVID-19. The number to call is 6850 2393.

Free Movie Streaming: Central West Libraries members in Forbes can now stream hundreds of the best Australian and independent movies, documentaries, and festival favourites at home for free using their library cards. To log-in to the service library members need to use their membership number.

Beamafilm offers more than 750 independent films with the option for high definition streaming. Its outstanding collection has been handpicked, with a strong focus on award-winning indie features, documentaries, classics, and Aussie masterpieces. It is the perfect solution if you’re looking for something different to watch during the week or for a weekend treat.

If you require assistance with your library membership card, please call library staff on 6393 8132 during weekdays 9am to 5pm. Head to the website www.cwl.nsw.gov.au for online resources available 24/7.

Pushing For A Good Cause: Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) leaders are taking part in the 2020 Push up challenge. The team of 10 has to individually do 3,046 push ups over 21 days. WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan said, “I am proud of our WNSWLHD Warriors Team and all the other staff members in other teams who are taking part in this challenge. It’s for a worthwhile cause.” If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact lifeline on 13 11 14.

WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan is pushing up the profile of mental health in rural communities.

Mayoral Notes

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

What a great week of beautiful weather and obviously everyone has taken advantage of walking around our beautiful lake. It is surprising how exciting it is, that we can now eat out again.

The Ski Dam has had an amazing face-lift and is shaping up to be one of the great picnic areas in town. I can’t speak highly enough about the skill and expertise of Forbes Shire Council staff. They take so much pride in their work and it shows through to the finished product.

The Heated Pool Committee is working hard to deliver the refurbishment of our pool. They are an amazing group of people doing a great job. Ably lead by Diane Decker as the Chair, it never ceases to amaze me how enthusiastic and generous people are with their time and love for Forbes.

Yes, we are open for business, we always were but now you can come inside to pay your bills! We are encouraging everyone to practice social distancing and only three are allowed into the foyer area at any one time. Meetings with staff are still not allowed but if you call our office, they will put you through to them.

Next week the CBD will become a 40km speed zone. This comes about after extensive community consultation and the need to ensure the safety of pedestrians in this area.

Have a good week. God Bless.
Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Scholarship Recipients Announced

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Lily Walsh from Forbes is studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science.

CMOC-Northparkes Mines (Northparkes) have announced the successful recipients of the 2020 Northparkes Indigenous Scholarships.

Lily Walsh from Forbes has been accepted into Charles Sturt University in Bathurst to study a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and Kaitlyn Spence from Parkes has been accepted into Charles Sturt University in Orange to study a Bachelor of Health and Rehab Science.

Both Lily and Kaitlyn will receive $5,000 per year of their study as part of their non-technical scholarship. They will also receive a laptop to assist them with their tertiary studies. In addition to financial support, the students will receive work placements on site at Northparkes and throughout Australia.

Northparkes will provide constant support throughout the duration of their study and work placement opportunities during university holidays. This ensures scholarship holders can attend, enjoy and eventually obtain employment in their chosen field.

Lily is in her second year of university. “The financial support provided by Northparkes will help significantly with the ongoing costs of university. I am also really excited to undertake work placement at Northparkes to get some hands-on experience,” said Lily.

These scholarships are a result of a signed relationship agreement with the Wiradjuri Executive Committee (WEC) which aims to build sustainable Indigenous communities. The WEC meets quarterly to identify opportunities and develop projects which support Wiradjuri people in the local community. The WEC is made up of two members from the Wiradjuri Council of Elders, two from Peak Hill Local Aboriginal Land Council and two Northparkes employees.

Northparkes Managing Director, Hubert Lehman said, “The scholarship program is vital to Northparkes, both to help Indigenous people further their studies and also to help develop the Northparkes employee pipeline. Congratulations Kaitlyn and Lily – we are proud to welcome you both to our employee pipeline and we wish you all the best in your studies.”

‘We Want You Back’ Local Filming For Tourism Recovery Campaign

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Andrew Barnes, Tom Ward and Caddie Marshall on location at Swinging Bridge Wines in Orange filming for the campaign earlier this week.

Local tourism heroes in Forbes will be filmed this week to feature in a new campaign ‘We Want You Back’ to stimulate tourism across the region once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Through their visual storytelling these heroes will personally share what they love about the region as a reminder and inspiration to others. They will promote food and wine, retail and attractions, art and culture, nature, and historical experiences.

Renowned videographer Andrew Barnes has been commissioned to capture the content including a series of video interviews, stills, and beautiful imagery. When it is safe to travel again, the campaign will be launched across social media and digital channels and supported by a public relations and social media campaign.

The local heroes were selected based on their unique tourism stories and contribution to the community. The film shoot took place yesterday and features local eco-accommodation Girragirra Retreat and Mel Sinclair from Cenwest Tours.

Our Gal – Julie Blume

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have lived here all my life. I love the laid-back country lifestyle and Forbes is a very beautiful town.

What was your first job? I worked on the check-out at Bernardi’s.

What makes you laugh the most? My kids.

If money were no object, what would you do with your time? Nothing different to what I do now, money isn’t everything.

Describe your dream holiday. Skiing in Canada.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Bike rides with Dad down to Nan and Pop’s farm and going fishing at Cottons Weir.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? Just live in the moment each day, the world is a crazy place so we should be grateful for the time we have now.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? Ryan, Mum, and someone who has no family.

If you could have a superpower what would it be and why? To read people’s minds, because sometimes people expect you to.

What is your pet hate? Untidiness.

Golfing Back To Groups

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jacob Bernardi tees off in a group of four with Joshua Coulthurst, Andrew Dukes and Kim Herbert.

Beautiful conditions helped all 88 golfers to enjoy their return to group golfing, just in time for the Men’s 4BBB Stableford event, sponsored by Forbes Livestock & Agency.

The winners, on count back, were Jeff and Max Haley with 46 points. Runners-up were Neil and Cam McMillan, whose 46 points came on the back of a very fine round by Cam, who shot a 69 scratch.

The ball sweep went to 40 points on count back. Players are advised to check in the Pro Shop to see if they are to collect a ball. The NTP’s went to Jeff Haley and Alf Davies. The best ‘2’ was a chip-in on the 3rd by Neil McMillan.

The best score of the day was played by John Betland, with a 65 scratch. His team was ousted from prizes by handicap. Another good effort was the eagle ‘3’ scored by Jonathon Cutler on the 15th hole.

The Sunday Stableford Medley had some good scores. Andrew Dukes won with 38 points, followed by Barbara Drabsch on 33 points.

The ball sweep went to 31 points, picked up by Jill Cripps. No NTP’s were played.

In the fourth week of the Winter 9-Hole Individual competition, 38 players posted some consistently good scores. Voucher winners were Riley Pike with 32 nett, and Corey Hurford with 34.5 nett. The balls went to 34 nett on count back.

On Tuesday 12 May, 20 players enjoyed the Tuesday Golfers social play, still in pairs. The winner was Viv Russell with 32 points followed by Andrew McDonald on 30 points as runner-up.

The Thursday Veterans had 19 players, again in pairs. The winner was John Smith on 31 points, ahead of Geoff Drane on 28 points. Both picked up vouchers. A sad story was the loss of a wallet by Graham Newport. He quickly cancelled credit cards and arranged for a new driver’s licence. A few days later the wallet was found in Barry Shine’s bag. Figure that one out.

By Short Putt

Heightened Demand For Social Services

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

There has been a 42% increase in demand for services at CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes (CCWF) since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how quickly our team adapted to make sure support and services were still being delivered at a time when our many communities needed us most,” CCWF CEO, Anne-Marie Mioche said.

“Our team responded quickly and pro-actively and implemented really engaging new ways of supporting our clients through phone support, web-based interactions, video conferencing, social media, online help, in home resource packs and more,” Anne-Marie said.

“Our organisation was started in a time of serious drought, to address stress and depression in what is considered the poorest diocese in Australia. We continue to meet these needs by providing a range of parenting and family services, playgroups, housing, domestic and family violence, financial counselling, and mental health support from 14 offices and outreach centres covering 52% of NSW.

The innovation and genuine positive problem solving is an absolute credit to the hard working and resilient team members at CCWF who are out facing some community’s largest and most challenging issues.

Be Seen

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

April and Matilda Cooper were thrilled to swing again at Nelson Park.

A smile that says it all! Tina and George Cooper from Caragabal enjoying the newly reopened parks in Forbes.

Jessica, Brad, Parker, and baby Mackenzie Claire from Parkes enjoyed the lake view at Apex Park.

Bridge On Track For Completion

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Visualisation of the new Camp Street Bridge, Looking north-west. The new bridge will be wider than the existing bridge

A safer and more efficient crossing over Lake Forbes is one step closer, with work on the new Camp Street Bridge steaming ahead.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole said crews had already completed the deck, footpath, and side barriers on the bridge this year, with work on the road approaches continuing to the Camp Street side in the coming weeks.

“It’s great to see this project on track to open later this year, which will deliver a safer crossing than the existing bridge for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists,” Paul said.

“Infrastructure projects like these are not only delivering improved safety outcomes for local communities but are supporting jobs in the bush with 50 people currently working on this key project.”

Forbes Shire Council has almost finished work on the road approach at Bridge Street, and work is scheduled to start on the Camp Street road approach next week, weather permitting.

The new bridge, and all other associated work, is still on track to be completed and open to traffic and pedestrians by August this year, weather permitting.

For more information on the project, visit https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/forbes-bridge/index.html

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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