Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Golfers Score In The Rain

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Ron Morris teeing off and hoping to beat the rain.

The Men’s competition on Saturday, an Individual 18-hole Stableford event sponsored by Troy Howe Electrical, was a wet affair for the 68 players. However, many of them did manage to score well.

The Division 1 winner was Simon Flynn (Mudgee) with 38 points, helped by the count back which saw Anthony Alley finish as Runner-up. Simon was steady throughout, while Anthony stormed home with 22 points on the back 9.

The Division 2 recorded the best score, going to the winner Matt Duff on 40 points. He is expecting a cut in his handicap. Runner-up was Jack Dobell with 37 points, getting there on count back from John Ridley.

It was wet out there. The early golfers had the better of the conditions but the rain and a brief clap of thunder with a short zap of lightning scurried a few golfers to refuge. Some players lost their grip on the club which saw some clubs flying down the fairway or in the trees.

There was no Sunday Stableford Medley as the Club hosted the CWDGA Pennants. In all 60 Pennants golfers teed off in cloudy conditions, which soon turned to a few showers then steady drizzle. Winning teams were; Division 1 Bathurst, Division

2 Duntryleague and Wellington, Division 3 Cowra and Wellington, Division 4 Cowra.

Pencil in a Callaway Demo Day scheduled for Thursday, 20th February, where you can try out the latest Callaway ‘Mavrick’ range. Book a time at the Pro Shop.

Saturday, 15th February is the 2P-2Club Ambrose Aust Championship, sponsored by Cahill Footwear. Sunday, 16th February has a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Don’t Forget The Drought Mr Morrison

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The recent media commentary has concentrated solely on the devastating fires our state has experienced. Drought affected farmers do not want the Government to forget about the relentless drought they are still experiencing.

“The Federal Government has promised a significantly relaxed criteria for farmers to access $75,000 of Commonwealth grants for those in fire-affected areas,” says Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller, “This is very generous but the feeling here in drought affected NSW is ‘What about us?’”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited Orange last month to announce a “measly amount” of assistance to farmers. Mayor Miller confronted him on the realities of the drought, suggesting the federal government step in by giving farmers relief in the form of rate assistance in drought affected communities. Unfortunately, this suggestion by the Mayor of Forbes seemed to fall on deaf ears, with the Prime Minister palming the political football off to the state, saying that it is the responsibility of the state to provide such assistance.

“We want our Prime Minister to lead by example and give direction to the state, especially concerning the drought. The current drought conditions will affect our whole country for many years to come, he has to understand this.”

Mayor Miller congratulated Deputy Premier John Barilaro for his continued support. “The transport cost rebates and waiving of Local Land Services rates has been a huge relief for farmers.” Adding that “Mr Morrison must understand this drought is affecting our whole community, farmers and businesses alike. Fire and drought are both natural disasters and we need national solutions to both.”

The coalition has promised $2 billion for bushfire recovery, with the understanding more may be given to rebuild community infrastructure. It is reassuring to see the federal government give their support to disaster ravaged communities and hopefully it will extend to supporting communities devastated by drought.

Love To Celebrate Our Seniors

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The New South Wales 2020 Seniors Festival takes place from Wednesday 12th until next Sunday, 23rd February with hundreds of free events throughout the state. This year the theme of the festival is ‘Love to Celebrate’ and it is anticipated that more than 500,000 people will be taking part in activities across NSW, encompassing music, entertainment, sport, art, health, technology and much more.

In celebration of the NSW Seniors Festival, Forbes Council will host their week- long Give it a Go Festival. Seniors are invited to come along to various events and try their hand at something new. There is a variety of activities to suit all abilities. All events are free unless specified and all seniors are welcome to participate in as many events as they like.

Some events have limited numbers and most will be catered so please RSVP by calling Council on 02 6850 2300 or email events@forbes.nsw.gov.au

SUNDAY, 16TH FEBRUARY

Seniors Variety Concert
2:00pm – 4:00pm: Forbes Town Hall

MONDAY, 17TH FEBRUARY

Chair Yoga with Cherie Stitt
9:30am – 10:30am: Wheogo Park

Memories of People and Place
2:00pm – 4:00pm: Forbes Library

TUESDAY, 18TH FEBRUARY

Croquet
8:15am – 10:15am: Forbes Croquet Club (Halpins Flat)

Tai Chi
10:30am – 12:00pm: Forbes Youth and Community Centre

What do you look forward to, in growing older?

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Donna Cain: More downtime, hopefully.

Maree Yapp: Working less in a paid role and do- ing more with volunteer organisations.

Lucy Pearce: The opportunity to spend more time volunteering in the community.

Youth Week Award Nominations Needed

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Nominations are now open for the 2020 Forbes Shire Youth Week Awards. This year NSW Youth Week will be held from 1st – 9th April, with the awards ceremony on Saturday, 4th April. The Youth Awards are for people aged 12 to 25-years-old who can be nominated for the following categories:

Youth Citizenship Award: For a young person who has had an active and positive role in our community. Contributions can include ongoing volunteer work or taking a lead role in organising events including charity work.

Sports Volunteer Award: For any young person who volunteers or contributes to Forbes’ sport and recreation. The young person may assist with refereeing, coaching, setting and packing up, mentoring and canteen duties.

Brighter Future Award: For apprentices, trainees or students who demonstrate strong commitment, consistent effort, a high level of passion and determination for their chosen field/career path.

Nominations will close at 5pm on Friday 20th March 2020. Nomination forms are available on Council’s website or you can collect a form from Youth Officer Sarah Williams at Council’s Administration Office.

Cricket Draws For This Weekend

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Friday, 14th February

Game to begin at 6.00pm, players need to be there by 5.45pm.

• Under 14’s: Parkes Colts V Forbes Bernardis at Woodward Oval, Parkes.

Saturday, 15th February

All games to begin at 8.30am, players need to be there by 8.15am.

• Under 17’s: Forbes Engineering V Parkes Cats at South Circle Oval, Forbes. Forbes Achesons V Condobolin at Grinstead Oval, Forbes. Parkes Colts have the bye.

• Under 14’s: Parkes Cats V Forbes Livestock at Spicer Oval, Parkes. Forbes KMWL have the bye.

• Under 12’s: Parkes Cats V Forbes Ag’N’Vet at Harrison Park, Parkes. Parkes Colts V Forbes Sportspower at Morrissey Field, Parkes. Forbes Hazell & Field V Forbes Adept Plumbing at Botanical Gardens, Forbes

Regional College Of All-Round Excellence Visits Parkes Families

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Scots All Saints College, Bathurst will visit regional and rural towns this month to connect with past, current and future families and support local ‘buy from the bush’ campaigns.

Director of Community Engagement & Marketing, Mel Monico said: “We understand most of our families are on the land or working in small business and it can be challenging to leave properties to learn more about education opportunities for their children.”

“There has been great interest and support for the development of Scots All Saints College in Bathurst following the integration last year of two very longstanding and respected boarding schools, The Scots School and All Saints’ College, with a combined history in education stemming back over 219 years. After a successful first year, Scots All Saints College is emerging as a progressive college, catering to the needs of rural and regional families with affordable and quality education, we simply want to reach out to communities in our traditional heartland and help them learn more,” Mel said.

“Scots All Saints College has welcomed 130 new students in 2020 and the school continues to grow with unrivalled space, opportunities in academic and co-curricular activities. We are keen to listen to the needs of local families in education and introduce our leadership team including our new Director of Boarding, Anthony Le Couteur. We are pleased he can join our team and share his thoughts about our programs developed for rural and regional families including Equestrian Centre, on campus horse agistment, affordable parent accommodation on campus and agriculture programs on the Scots Campus farm.”

We warmly welcome all local families in Forbes to join us in Parkes for an informal evening of drinks and canapés. See ad on this page for more details.

Something For Everyone At The SES Open Day

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Members of the Forbes SES invite all members of the public to come to their Open Day this Saturday at the Lions Park.

Forbes State Emergency Service (SES) Unit is inviting residents to an Open Day on Saturday, 15th February from 10am to 2pm at Lions Park.

NSW SES core role is storms and floods. Forbes SES Unit also specialises in rescue work such as road crashes, flood rescue, vertical rescue and large animal rescue. This Open Day is a great opportunity to see the other roles that SES play within the community.

If you are considering joining a volunteer organisation this is a good opportunity to find out what the SES is all about and it is a chance for Forbes SES to show the public the range of volunteer work that they do.

Not many people realise what joining the SES offers and how it caters to almost all ages and abilities. Whatever your fitness level, background, skills or training, you can contribute to the Unit in many ways.

Not everybody wants to join to do field or response work and there are many areas that members can contribute including operations management, communications, training, administration, logistics, community education, catering, equipment and vehicle maintenance.

The Open Day will give everyone the chance to talk to the local Forbes SES Unit Volunteers and see demonstrations on how to prepare your property for storm damage, flooding as well as general rescue work.

If you would like further information, please contact the Forbes Local Controller, Roc Walshaw on 0429 036 465 or come along on the day and see what it is all about.

Final Call For Stroke Awards Nominations

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan congratulates stroke survivor Kevin English on his 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award

Time is running out to nominate an inspirational person in your community for the Stroke Foundation’s 2020 Stroke Awards.

The Stroke Awards are held annually and recognise individuals who have gone above and beyond to make life better for people with stroke. These include carers, stroke survivors, researchers, health professionals, volunteers and members of the community.

Winner of the 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award, Kevin English, said it was a tremendous honour to be named as a finalist in his category, let alone win the award.

“There are so many people in the community striving to make the future brighter for people impacted by stroke. I was thrilled to be recognised for my volunteering efforts at Stroke Foundation,” Kevin said.

Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. It happens in an instant and its impact can be devastating.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said Kevin was a wonderful example of someone strongly committed to raising awareness of stroke and prevention. Kevin’s contribution has included volunteering with the Stroke Foundation for six years. He was trained as a StrokeSafe Ambassador in 2013, is a member of the Stroke Foundation Consumer Council as well as assisting Safer Care Victoria.

The 2020 Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards run across six categories: Improving Life After Stroke Award, Creative Award, Fundraiser of the Year Award, Courage Award, Volunteer of the Year Award and President’s Achievement Award.

Winners will be announced at the Stroke Foundation’s Stroke Awards ceremony in Melbourne on 5th May.

Nominate for the 2020 Stroke Awards here or contact the Stroke Foundation Awards Team on (03) 9670 1000. Nominations close today, Friday, 14th February 2020.

Snippets…

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

New and expectant mothers are back in the pool for another round of aqua fitness.

Aqua Fitness Returns: NSW Community Health and the School and Community Centre (SACC) kicked off round two of their aqua fitness program for new and expectant mothers at the Forbes Olympic Pool last week. The program runs for six weeks with sessions on Tuesday and Thursday from 9am – 9.45am with child minding available at the Youth and Community Centre next door to the pool. This program is a fantastic initiative in its fifth year of involving new and expectant mothers in gentle exercise, something that is often quite difficult for this demographic of women to access, despite its important role in maintaining both physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. Not only are participants getting exercise, and a short break from the pressures of caring for an infant, they are also forming friendships with other women with babies who they wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to meet.

Launching Rocket Learners: Parents of pre-kindergarten children are invited to come along to an information session on the ins and outs of Best Start. This session is the first of four sessions run by the Schools as Community Centres in their Launching Rocket Learners program. The Best Start information session will be held at Forbes North Public School on Thursday, 20th February from 1.30pm to 2.20pm with child minding available. After the session there will be an afternoon tea held until school pick up time. The following three sessions will be; ‘Literacy – a Journey, Not a Destination’, ‘Strategies to Help an Anxious Child’ and ‘Big Ideas in Number’.

Businesses Join Forces: The Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme is celebrating 10 years and four local businesses have put their hands up to help fight driver fatigue and reduce the road toll. Participating businesses in Forbes are Isabel’s Place, Forbes Bakehouse, Forbes Inn Hotel/Motel and Subway – Forbes. A total of 92 businesses across the Hunter, South West and Western regions of NSW will participate to encouraging drivers to take regular breaks by offering a free cup of tea or coffee to any driver more than 100km away from their home. “If it wasn’t for the participating businesses supplying the ‘free cuppas’, this scheme wouldn’t be possible,” said Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor. The ‘Free Cuppa’ website, freecuppa.com.au, allows drivers to search for the nearest participating business. There is also an active Facebook page.

Forbes businesses are proudly supporting the ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme in 2020.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

SUNDAY, 16TH FEBRUARY

MONDAY, 17TH FEBRUARY

TUESDAY, 18TH FEBRUARY

Friday, 14th February

Saturday, 15th February

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