Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Be Seen

March 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Kristine Boggs and Alison Westcott at the Free Cuppa for the Driver 10 year anniversary launch.

Forbes Shire Council Manager of Community and Tourism Nina Hooper was there to throw her full support behind the long running initiative.

Sergeant Martin Ling, Inspector Ben MacFarlane and Sergeant Peter Foran travelled from Parkes, Dubbo and Orange to attend to launch in Forbes.

Alison Balding, Andrew Cutts, Andrea Hamilton-Vaughen and Melanie Suitor travelled from Bathurst, the Upper Hunter and Orange to celebrate their road safety initiative.

Mayoral Notes

March 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

I hope you all received some lovely rain this week and that it has lifted spirits. I want the community to know that I do understand this hasn’t broken the drought by any means.

I will continue to voice this message in Sydney this week. For our community to recover from this drought it will take more than a little rain to do so. It will take years before our farmers are back on their feet after a drought like this.

I have heard mention that it takes five years for farms to be restocked and breeding again, not to mention the debts incurred during the drought. This then has a knock-on effect to the businesses and so forth. We desperately need to keep this disaster in the forefront of our politicians’ minds. It may have rained but the struggle still remains.

International Women’s Day is on this Sunday and Forbes will be celebrating again. I hope you can join us for breakfast and hear me and the other legendary ladies speak on the day. It is always so empowering to hear strong women speak of their journey through life. I feel very passionate about women having an equal voice in all manner of places, the boardroom, in the community, in government and in the family.

On that note, have a good week and God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Regional Lifestyle Magazine Autumn 2020 Launch

March 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Councillors and staff of Forbes and Parkes Shire Councils with Regional Lifestyle Magazine staff at the launch on Saturday, 15th February held at Forbes Town Hall.

Connection and Collaboration were the themes of the evening for the launch of the 28th edition of Regional Lifestyle Magazine (RLM) at the Forbes Town Hall last month.

Forbes and Parkes collaborated for the feature to showcase the unique culture, scenery, rich history and various events that can be found throughout the two regions.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM warmly welcomed the 80 guests in attendance which included Council representatives, featured local personalities and businesses which advertised in the magazine.

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM thanked RLM for the opportunity to work with Forbes Shire Council for a combined Forbes/Parkes feature. “I think it’s fantastic that we can support one another, as well as celebrate and share the success of each other’s events,” said Ken.

Regional Lifestyle Magazine Editor, Elizabeth Tickle acknowledged the success of the partnership between the two regions before officially launching the Autumn edition. “This particular project has been six months in the making… 113 pages dedicated to the beautiful Forbes and Parkes areas.”

Copies of the Autumn 2020 edition are available online at lifestylemagazine.net.au or from local newsagents.

RDA Central West Doubles Down On Drought Focus

March 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Sheep finding food on travelling stock route east of Grenfell.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West is calling on all levels of government, business and the community to remain focused on the ongoing impacts of the drought across the Central West. This position was formally reiterated at the most recent RDA Central West board meeting.

Convening in Bathurst last month, the board of RDA moved a motion to ensure supporting the communities impacted by drought and supporting the provision of key services was the priority focus of the organisation for 2020.

RDA Central West Chair, Christine Weston said that recent rains in some regions have been most welcome, but the recovery from the drought is a long and ongoing process.

“As a farmer I have directly been impacted by this debilitating drought on a daily basis. It hammers output, productivity and confidence.”

“The recent rain has provided a temporary boost for some communities, but we are nowhere close to the road to recovery. This is why drought support and recovery is the key priority for RDA Central West in 2020,” said Christine.

There continues to be sad drought-affected consequences, such as the closure of the Trundle grocery store and farmers across the region still spending thousands a day on stock feed, the economic and social impact on our communities has been immense.”

Christine took the opportunity to remind residents to shop local and support their community when they can, and encourage family and friends to stay, shop and visit in the Central West.

“Backing local communities and local businesses drives jobs, boosts confidence, and by visiting our region it is a simple way to show your support, and say we are here and we want to help,” said Christine.

RDA Central West acknowledges the efforts and drought response measures already announced by both the State and Federal Government.

Snippets…

March 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Regional youth volunteer of the year and MC Elise Dukes, Emily Jack, Mayor Phyllis Miller, Jamie Mitton, Tom Toohey and Business Chamber president Marg Duggan at the 2019 Youth Week awards ceremony.

Final Call for Fabulous Forbes Youth: If you know a young person in the Forbes Shire who deserves to be recognised for their achievements and contribution to the community, now is the time to nominate them for an annual Youth Week Award. This year, the NSW Youth Week will be held from 1st – 9th April.

The awards ceremony on Saturday, 4th April is just one of the events that will be held throughout Youth Week in Forbes, with more events to be announced. Forbes Shire Council is encouraging parents, carers, teachers and employers to nominate their children, students or employees for the awards. Youth from 12 to 25-years- old can be nominated for the following three categories: Youth Citizenship Award, Sports Volunteer Award and the Brighter Future Award. More information on these categories can be found on the Forbes Shire Council website www.nsw.gov.au

Nominations are now open and will close at 5pm on Friday, 20th March 2020. Nomination forms can be returned via email to youth@forbes.nsw.gov.au or returned to Council’s Administration Office.

Works at Jemalong Weir: WaterNSW have been completing fencing work at Jemalong Weir in the Lachlan Valley this week. The fencing work involves replacing the existing fence along the Lachlan River near Jemalong Weir. Jemalong Weir and the adjacent camping site have been inaccessible during this work however, the weir has remained operational throughout this time. The work will ensure that these essential water supply structures continue to meet contemporary standards into the future. This work at Jemalong Weir started 2nd March and is scheduled to finish 6th March. During work hours, expect additional personnel, increased traffic movements in and around the asset site, localised noise and dust impacts. Access to the campground adjacent to Jemalong Weir will be closed during works.

St Laurence’s Parish School Fete: Don’t miss out on St Laurence’s Parish School Fete today from 5pm – 7.30pm. There will be a huge variety of activities, games, entertainment and more for all. A bungee run, sherbet stall, egg and spoon race, sack race, photo booth, crazy cups, putt-putt golf and more are on offer. Do not miss this opportunity to have a fun evening out with friends and family.

Mitch Smith and Marcus Hardy at the 2019 St Laurence’s Parish School fete.

Mayor Responds To Crime Concerns

March 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM would like residents to know crime will not be tolerated in this Shire. Recent reports of break-ins occurring in the Forbes area has residents concerned.

“These reports have made their way onto social media before being reported to Police. I want the community to ring Police, no matter what the extent of the damage,” Phyllis said. “Putting a picture on Facebook will not see justice prevail. Forbes Police are investigating a string of recent breakins, they urge victims to come forth to report crimes so that they can build a strong case against those responsible.”

The Mayor commended the quick response of Police regarding recent break-ins and is working to ensure that there are enough police in Forbes to respond to crime, stating, “I will be making representation to Police and Emergency Services Minister, David Elliott on my findings and request our numbers be enhanced.” Phyllis reminds residents “If you see something suspicious, please say something, report it to the Police. We need to bring these people to justice.”

Reporting a crime can be done by calling 02 6853 9999 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Fighting Driver Fatigue, One Cuppa At A Time

March 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jenny Webb, Kerrie Hodder, Ben Macfarlane and Melanie Suitor at the Free Cuppa For the Driver morning tea in Templar Street, Forbes. Kerrie Hodder from the Bakehouse, Forbes, was honoured for 10 years of support for the initiative.

Last Thursday saw business owners, members of the public, Road Safety Officers, Police officers and representatives from various regional Councils converge in Templar Street Forbes for the 10 year launch of the Free Cuppa For The Driver safety initiative which runs from 1st March to 21st May.

Road and Safety Officer for the Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils, Melanie Suitor, was Master of Ceremonies. Melanie introduced Inspector Ben Macfarlane from Dubbo, who spoke about the dangers of driver fatigue and the frustration police feel at being unable to police and prevent it. Forbes Shire Council Deputy Mayor Jenny Webb also spoke and gave a heartfelt thanks to local businesses who are supporting the initiative.

Kerrie Hodder, owner of the Forbes Bakehouse, who has been involved in the initiative for the 10 years that it has been running, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her long time support.

Guests enjoyed a free cuppa and piece of cake while they mingled after the ceremony. The initiative, which impressively encompasses 15 Councils and over 80 businesses, aims to tackle driver fatigue by encouraging drivers to stop and take a break when driving long distances.

Drivers who are travelling 100km or more away from home can claim a free cup of tea or coffee from participating businesses, whilst there, drivers can go into the draw to win fuel vouchers by filling in an entry form and dropping it into the entry box in-store.

Count Back Win

March 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Chris Pay of Cowra tees off ahead of opponent Garry King of Wentworth in the Pennants.

The Ian Simpson Real Estate sponsored Men’s competition on Saturday was an Individual Stroke. A field of 60 players scored well with a count back needed to decide the Division 1 winner.

The Division 1 was won by Peter Barnes over Andrew Brownlow of Peak Hill after both had finished on nett 67. The Division 2 had Ross Williams, with nett 73, a clear winner ahead of Craig Barrett with a nett 74.

The ball sweep went to 75 nett on count back: 70 – E Gaffney, J Coulthurst, P Daw- son; 72 – B Parker, K Herbert; 73 – W Clay- ton, GWebb, JHaley; 74 – PDuke; 75–S Uphill, J Zannes, P Nixon, T Griffiths, B Everest.

The Sunday Stableford Medley had a small field. Bess Shields won with 34 points. There was no runner-up or ball sweep, and nobody hit the greens so no NTP’s either.

The Club’s Pennants teams played the fifth round at Wellington on Sunday. John Betland had the biggest win of 7/6 over Aaron Wilkie from Parkes. Bob Borger battled to the 20th hole for his win.

The Summer Super 6’s comp is now into its final week, with very little separating the top seven teams in each Pool, from which five teams from each Pool will advance to the Finals. The Grand Final will be held on Sunday, 5th April, with the Presentation to follow that evening, upstairs in the Golf Club.

Mark your calendars for the Sanderson Memorial Day on 28th March, and a 3-Person Ambrose on 19th April. Contact the Pro Shop for details.

Saturday, 7th March is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Michael Robinson & Co. Sunday, 8th March has the Stableford Medley with the Pennants for Division 1 and 3, continuing at Wentworth.

Keep up to date on the facebook page: www.facebook.com/forbesgolfcourse/

By Short Putt

Cricket News

March 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

There are only two competition rounds of cricket remaining for the 2019/2020 season. Finals will be held on Saturday, 14th March with the Grand Final to be held on Saturday, 21st March.

Presentation day for Under 10’s, up to the under 17’s and the under 12’s representative side. will be Saturday, 7th March after cricket from 12pm at Forbes Services Memorial Club. Presentation for the Master Blasters will be held at the Botanical Gardens on the morning of 7th March.

Results of games played Friday, 21st February and Saturday, 22nd February:

Under 17’s: Parkes Cats 9/156 defeated Condobolin 7/113. Parkes Colts 8/120 defeated Forbes Engineering 10/98. Forbes Achesons had the bye.

Under 14’s: Parkes Colts 3/111 defeated Parkes Cats 4/77. Forbes Livestock 4/87 defeated KMWL 8/67. Forbes Bernardis had the bye.

Under 12’s: Parkes Colts 5/114 defeated Parkes Cats 7/53. Hazell & Field 136 defeated Forbes Sportspower 44. Forbes Adept Plumbing 5/97 defeated Walkers Ag’N’Vet.

Family Operated Businesses Form Backbone Of Forbes Economy

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Dwane Hanley ready for a day of earthmoving with his trusted tipper truck.

Husband and wife team Dwane and Kellie Hanley who run LaserEyes Earthworx are just one of many family owned and operated businesses in Forbes who work tirelessly to provide services essential to the growth and sustainability of small towns in rural NSW.

After working in the earthmoving industry for more than 10 years, Dwane started his own earthmoving business alongside his wife Kellie in 2017. It’s the ‘get up and go’ attitude and strong initiative to put ideas into action that puts Forbes businesses on the path to success.

Dwane is a Forbes man, born and bred, while his wife Kellie moved here 11 years ago. Dwane is the muscle behind the operation, while Kellie assists in both projects and administration of business, all while running her own renovation business and raising their three daughters.

The family business offers large trenching services with their specialised machine, the Ditch Witch, which is used in carrying out large trench jobs for big irrigation on farms. They also do residential trenching with a bobcat trencher for power and water irrigation around the house. They also do shed pads, house pads, post hole boring – ticking those structural requirement boxes that Council often require – as well as tree removal and yard clean ups. Their laser grading attachment ensures 100% levelling jobs for driveways and more. Dwane and Kellie also source landscaping needs such as soil, boulders, stones, granite and metal dust. The excavator, bobcat and tipper truck have all the attachments to meet any earthmoving need.

This is just one example of the important services that small, family run businesses provide. The families behind them are both inspiring and essential to the growth and development of the towns and regions in which they operate.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Subscribe