Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Nominations Open For 2020 Resilient Australia Awards

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Submissions are now open for the 2020 Resilient Australia Awards, celebrating those in our community who show initiative in helping to create a more disaster resilient Australia. Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the recent fires, drought, floods and storms remind us that disasters are a fact of life for Australians.

“While we have to live with disasters, we can always ensure we are better prepared for when they strike,” Minister Littleproud said. “The Resilient Australia Awards highlight achievements that may otherwise be unrecognised, with stories that promote disaster resilience.”

Littleproud went on to say, “The Australian Government is committed to making our communities safer, stronger and better prepared. These awards are part of that commitment.”

Now in their 21st year, the awards are open to all Australians, including individuals, not for profit organisations, small and large businesses, local and state government, schools, education institutions, research bodies and emergency service agencies.

The awards recognise outstanding contributions in six categories: community, business, local government, government, school and photography. The Australian Government is proud to sponsor these awards in partnership with the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience, states and territories.

Submissions are open until 18 May 2020. For more information and to apply go to www.aidr.org.au/resilient-australia-awards

‘Get Up And Go’ To The Gathering In Garema

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Guest Speaker Sam Bailey will share his story of tragedy, triumph and romance.

Community members from Garema are inviting people from Forbes and surrounding areas to come along to a free event and find out more about what drought support is available, how to get help for mental health issues and to hear from a number of lived experience speakers.

The event will be held on Thursday, 5 March from 9.30am at Garema Hall and everyone is welcome to attend. Guest speaker, Sam Bailey is a C6/C7 quadriplegic who has conquered his disability to become a successful farmer, ultralight pilot, inspirational speaker, best-selling author and role model for children.

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Coordinator Di Gill said there will be something for everyone including a health check, kids’ corner with childcare, and a free morning tea and lunch, stating

that “we want people from these smaller communities to come together and learn more about how they can help themselves or others with mental health issues.”

Event organiser and local farmer Tom Norris said he was inspired to get this event off the ground after he himself attended a similar event during the Millennium Drought which was “a turning point” for his own mental wellbeing.

Tom acknowledged his supporters, “Thanks to a combined effort between the Garema Hall committee, the Forbes Shire Council, RAMHP, the Department of Primary Industries Rural Resilience Program, the Country Women’s Association, Forbes’ Men’s Shed, the Forbes Lions Club and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) this event has been able to happen.”

Cricket Results

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Results of games played Friday, 14th February and Saturday, 15th February.

Under 17s: Parkes Cats 6/115 in 23 overs (Hunter Hawke 28no and 2/1, Harrison McGregor 25no, Geordie Duncan 2/18, best fielders Ryan Mackenzie and Cooper Towns) defeated Forbes Engineering 9/107 in 23 overs (Talis Hurford 24no, Rhys Glas- son 22no, Brad Mattiske 2/3, Jack Whitty 1/5). Forbes Achesons 60 lost to Condobolin 1/61 (Franklind Ross and Ryan Goodsell played top roles for Condobolin with the bat). Parkes Colts had the bye.

Under 14s: Forbes Bernadis 5/74 (Pat- rick Ryan 18no, Tom Maslin 13 retired, Ollie Mayo 2/1, Bradman Hardy 1/3, best fielder William Mayo) defeated Parkes Colts 7/43 (Jake Dunn 20, Sam Rayner 4, Jack Milne 2/6, Caleb Crisp 2/20, best fielders Kade Ticehurst and Harry Yelland). Forbes Livestock 4/142 (Joe Ellison 63, Griffin Jones 15no, Riley Goodsell 2/6, Toby Jarick 1/0, best fielders Riley Goodsell and Brodie Page) defeated Parkes Cats 8/78 (E. Moody 36no, Holly Duncan 6, Z. Pearce 1/13, Liam Freeman 1/15, best fielders H. Kennedy and Z. Pearce). Forbes KMWL had the bye.

Under 12s: Parkes Colts 3/105 defeated Forbes Sportspower 3/86. Forbes Ag N Vet 3/140 defeated Parkes Cats 3/77. Forbes Adept Plumbing 5/104 defeated Hazell Field Accountants 6/84.

Be Seen

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Anne Stewart and Cherylin Cole at the Seniors Sundowners on Sunday.

Brett Smith from Department of Primary Industries helping Dorelle Scott hone her fishing skills.

Bill Scott had a go at fishing by the lake for Seniors Week.

Nursing And Midwifery Graduates To Be Dispersed Throughout Western NSW Hospitals

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

More than 100 new nurses and midwives will begin working in Western NSW Local Health District hospitals this year as part of their annual new graduate intake.

WNSWLHD Nursing and Midwifery Transition and Workforce Manager, Jackie Corliss, said the recruits are part of the NSW Government’s record $2.8 billion investment to boost frontline health workers by 8,300, including 5,000 nurses and midwives, over four years.

In WNSWLHD the nurses and midwives will join hospitals at Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Coolah, Condobolin, Narromine, Peak Hill, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Coonamble, Walgett, Blayney, Cowra, Forbes, Rylstone, Parkes, Baradine, Collarenebri, Grenfell, Warren, and Mudgee. “The new graduates will work in all clinical areas including surgical, medical and paediatrics,” Jackie said.

This news must come as somewhat of a relief to Forbes residents. Since the Parkes Maternity unit has closed, Forbes Hospital continues to take on the maternity care for Forbes women as well as those from Parkes and some from as far as Condobolin. An astounding accomplishment with such a limited number of nurses and midwives, OBGYN’s and Anaesthetist’s being brought in from elsewhere. The lack of reliability and consistency is a concern for many.

It is no secret that healthcare in Western NSW is lacking in staff, resources and funding and this is all too apparent when one is faced with the results of such neglect. Hopefully Forbes will see significant, positive changes over the course of the plan.

Be Seen

February 21, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Joy Hocking and Beryl Milton attended Yoga in Wheogo Park for the Give it a Go Festival.

The a capella group Tapestry had the audience captivated at the Seniors Variety Concert.

The morning tea provided by Forbes Shire Council was thoroughly enjoyed by all after Tai Chi on Tuesday.

Zara Alghamdi was impressed by the display of local produce at the Town Hall on Sunday.

Mayoral Notes

February 21, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

It was fantastic to see the rain hang around for a couple of days last week and provide good rainfall. However, this does not mean the drought has been broken, but it is a good start nonetheless. There have been a lot of tractors busily ploughing of late and I wish every farmer the best for 2020.

Bedgerabong Races were fantastic last weekend with a very healthy crowd. There were some absolutely stunning outfits on both men and women. On Saturday evening we had the launch of Regional Lifestyle Magazine Autumn edition in the Town Hall. This edition features Forbes and Parkes, showcasing many beautiful and informative stories from both our Shires. Make sure you get yourself a copy, it’s a fantastic read.

I would like to remind you to shop local, we want a healthy retail sector when the drought finally breaks. I would like to remind residents that Lake Forbes is not an off-leash area for your dogs. Please be especially mindful around the food areas where there are quite a few people.

We are very saddened to hear of the sud- den passing of Yvonne Shaw this week. Yvonne’s late husband, Ian Shaw, was the Mayor of Forbes from July 1993 to September 1997. Yvonne was a great lady and our thoughts and prayers are with Yvonne’s family at this very sad time. Until next week,

God Bless.
Your Mayor, Phyllis Miller

Seniors Festival In Full Swing

February 21, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Meditation in motion, Tuesdays Tai Chi class was a great opportunity to exercise, socialise, and have fun.

Forbes has been celebrating the NSW Seniors Festival this week with its very own Give It A Go Festival.

The week-long celebration kicked off last Sunday showcasing exceptional talent at the Seniors Variety Concert in the Town Hall with proceeds going to the CWA Drought Relief. The concert, attended by many, was followed by a scrumptious afternoon tea which was generously provided by Council whilst supporting local businesses.

Yoga, croquet, indoor bowls, talks by renowned historians, dancing, fishing and drawing have been included in the festival’s line up this year, to include something for everyone.

On Tuesday, Cheryl Shirvington and Sandra Nicholson led a class of 25 ladies in Tai Chi at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre. Cheryl and Sandra teach the class weekly and said that the best thing is that it is suitable for all abilities and fitness levels, with no commitment required. The classes are also a great excuse to socialise.

Forbes resident Alison Baker attended Tai Chi and saw it as “proof of what a great community Forbes is,” stating, “we are so grateful to the Council for all they do, not just for the seniors,” a sentiment shared by many attending the class on Tuesday.

The NSW Seniors Festival continues until Sunday with the Seniors Social Sundowner on the back deck at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club from 4pm-6pm. RSVP to Council on 02 6850 2300.

Barry Shine A Winner

February 21, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Division 4 Pennants team ready to play at Wentworth – Steven Grallelis, Les Little, Stephen McAlister, Troy Howe, Stuart Thomas

On Saturday the event was Individual 18-hole Stableford, sponsored by Cahill Footwear. The field of 59 players returned good scores in great conditions.

Division 1 winner was Barry Shine with 41 points, ahead of runner-up Andrew McDonald on 38 points. Barry hit every fairway, while Andrew was refreshed after a trip. The Division 2 winner was Phil Wells with a score of 39 points, closely followed by runner-up Rod Besgrove on 38 points.

The ball sweep went to 33 points on count back: 37 – N Duncan, A Dukes, J Bernardi, B Parker, Alf Davies, A Alley; 36 – P Gray- son, S Grallelis, C Barrett; 35 – F Donohoe, J Dobell; 34 – J Cutler, G Willis (D/league); 33 – R Baker, P Tisdell, P Duke.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – D Rhodes; 18th – R Smith. There were four visitors from Duntryleague – Greg Willis, Chris Kelly, Steve Fulmer and Mark Hildebrandt.

The Sunday Stableford Medley again had a small field with many regulars away. Mike Spice won with 38 points. There was no Runner-up or Ball sweep. The NTP’s, sponsored by GWG, saw no-one make it on the 9th, but Mike took the 18th quite easily.

Farewell to Tommy Punnett, the Touring Pro who has been helping at the Pro Shop during the Summer. Tommy was often seen fine tuning his putting or honing his chipping skills. We thank him for his company and wish him well on the Australian circuit.

The Summer Super 6’s competition will finish the last two weeks with handicaps frozen, which may affect the final placings on the Pool tables.

Saturday, 22nd February is a 4BBB Par, sponsored by Highlands Design, playing for the Ron Barton Memorial Trophy. Sunday has an 18-hole Stableford Medley, with Pennant duties for Divisions 1-3 at Cowra.

By Short Putt

Netball News

February 21, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

AUTUMN NIGHT COMPETITIONS 2020
The format for the Autumn night competitions for both mixed and ladies’ teams were set at the General Meeting on Thursday. Team nomination forms can be downloaded from the FNA website, with the first grading to be held Wednesday night, 26th February. Ladies may play in both mixed and ladies’ teams, on the same night. Everyone is urged to come along and enjoy the fun of the night competitions.

FORBES ALL AGE CARNIVAL
The Forbes All Age carnival will be held on Sunday, 3rd May. This carnival has been operating since the association was formed in 1975, and, according to past teams, is one of the best organised carnivals in the region. Age groups are from 11 years to open ladies. Many extra helpers will be needed to help make the huge day another great success.

FORBES GALA DAY 2020
The Gala day, which was extremely popular in 2019, will again be held in 2020, bigger and better. A date in August will be finalised at the February general meeting.

FORBES REPRESENTATIVES 2020
The Forbes Netball Association has entered the Open representative team in the West/Central West Regional League Divi- sion 2. The team is training weekly and has already improved. The Open representative team will play the first round of games in Orange on Sunday, 1st March. A date for the Representative Information Day was finalised at the meeting on Thursday night. More information will be available next week. Players turning 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17 will need to apply for their respective age groups. Players must be turning that age in 2020.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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