Tom Drane was named the 2018 Forbes Sportsperson of the Year for the third year running at the annual presentation dinner of the SOYA Awards held at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club on Saturday evening.

Tom claimed the title after winning two Australian and four state championships in both Dirt Track and Long Track. His biggest achievement was when he travelled to America to compete in the American National Championships, known there as the AMA Grand Nationals, which was held in Springfield.

He competed over four days, in three different classes and in over 30 races, winning everything. This placed Tom first overall and three times AMA Grand National Champion.

He was also awarded the AMA Youth Rider of the Year, which was awarded on talent and sportsmanship and was only given to one child out of everyone competing.

Tom received his award from this year’s special guest for the event, Alana Thomas, a former Australian Rugby Union player and Australian Wallaroo Development Coach.

The Forbes SOYA Awards pay tribute to the athletes who excel in their chosen sport and thank and show appreciation to the many volunteers who give their time.

Member for Orange, Phil Donato MP, announced on Tuesday that the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club had been successful in their application for funding through the 2018 Community Building Partnership Program.

“I’m pleased to announce the club will receive $20,000 in funding to install a new sprinkler system,” said Phil.

“The new system is water efficient and environmentally sustainable, which is very important for the club and for our community in general. I am very happy to have supported this funding application,” said Phil.

At the first meeting for 2019, the CWA Forbes Evening Branch reflected on our fundraising activities/ projects for 2018 and established new projects for 2019. We also welcomed new members to our group.

Activities our members were involved with in 2018 included updating the miscarriage packs for distribution at various locations in Forbes. These packs provide information and support materials for women who are grieving. We combined with the CWA Forbes Day Branch to provide afternoon tea and dinner for the drivers and their families of the “Great Southern WA Drive for Life” hay deliveries in October; supported other CWA projects including Riverside Disability, Care West Lodge, Oxley Junior Public Speaking and Group Education Projects and numerous other drought relief efforts in our local community.

In 2019 we will continue to support drought relief funding through distributing gift cards donated by Western Australian CWA branches as well as other drought relief activities in our community; offer financial support toward the Oxley Group projects as mentioned above and preparing and distributing miscarriage packs.

New projects and activities for this year include sponsorship for the local Miss Showgirl winner to help with the expenses in attending Zone finals and/or Royal Easter Show. We will also be supplying a variety of items for the Women’s Refuge. Forbes Evening Branch CWA is one of the sponsors of the Grease & Oil Change program providing local farmers with much needed health and wellbeing information and support services.

Other fundraising activities will include the proceeds from the sale of the annual Farmer Down Under Calendar. You can find these informative calendars on sale in various local shops. We have other activities underway for fundraising but are yet to be finalised.

Teddies, bunnies and layettes knitted and crocheted by the HACC centre women’s group were donated to our group and have been distributed to appropriate places like the maternity unit and Women’s Refuge.

All members are looking forward to a rewarding and productive year. Anyone is welcome to attend our dinner meetings held at the Vandenberg Hotel from 6:30pm onwards every second Thursday of the month. Our next meeting is 11th April.

By Sue Cunningham

A warm and sincere welcome is extended to families to join Scots All Saints College – a premier, independent College with Christian values, offering quality co-education to more than 750 day and boarding students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. Set on expansive grounds of more than 200 acres, the College is centrally located within NSW across three campuses in Bathurst and Lithgow.

As a new College established in 2019, Scots All Saints College has all the modern facilities expected within an innovative College of the future, combined with a proud history of over 218 combined years in regional education. The Scots School (1946- 2018) and All Saints’ College (1874-2018) have enjoyed a longstanding reputation as leading schools of excellence. Building on a strong foundation, Scots All Saints College offers an inspired learning environment with positive pastoral care and student wellbeing programs within a friendly, approachable and supportive school community.

A Junior School (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 4) and Middle School (Years 5-8) is available on All Saints Campus, Pre-Kindergarten and Senior School (Years 9-12) on Scots Campus and Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6 on Lithgow Campus. Boarding is available from Year 5 onwards in four newly renovated boarding houses located on Scots Campus.

A wide subject choice is offered by highly qualified and caring teachers. Leadership skills are built at every level of a student’s journey across innovative academic programs and access to diverse co-curricular programs specialising in agriculture, equestrian, music, performing arts, debating, iSTEM and leadership such as, Cadets and The Duke of Edinburgh. Year 12 and Year 8 Captains and Prefects take on significant leadership roles to build maturity and responsibility to give them a distinct advantage for life.

Scots All Saints College have two exciting upcoming events. The Highland Gathering will be held on Sunday, 24th March from 10am to 4pm and includes highland games and dancing, pipes and drums competition, rides stall, food and coffee. There will be campus tours at 12pm and 2pm on the day.

On Monday, 25th March the College will hold a Try Middle School Day from 9am to 3pm. Prospective students will be able to join the classes, meet the teachers and enjoy the specialist facilities on offer.

Start a positive future for your child now and contact the College to explore the possibilities on 6331 3911 or visit www.scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au/TryUs.

Harry Quirk (age 12) recently caught this Flathead on Stockton Beach, Nelson Bay and also mudcrabs at Old Bar.