Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Croquet Results

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Golf Croquet Tuesday, 4th February
There was a good turnout on Tuesday for Golf Croquet with 35 players hitting the greens. After the matches, Croquet Club members had a birthday lunch for both January and February birthdays at the Commercial Hotel. The January birthdays were for Cherylin Cole, Bob Murray, Liz McLean, Colleen Liebich and Sandy Hepburn. February birthdays were for Jill Rubie, Denny Smith, Mary Hodges, Lily Allegri and Evelyn Mahlo who celebrated a milestone birthday. The winners of three games were: John Browne, Veva MacCullagh, Denny Smith and Alex Todd. Some of the closest scores on the day were: John Cole and Veva MacCullagh 7 def Merv Langfield and John MacCullagh 6. Robin Pols and Jeff Liebich 7 def Bob Murray and Lorraine Todd 6.

Aussie Croquet Saturday, 8th February
Saturday presented players with a light breeze, cool temperatures and black skies followed by a light sprinkling of rain. Raincoats were the order of the day in anticipation of the expected downpour, which didn’t eventuate. The winners of three matches of the day were Merv Langfield, John Mac- Cullagh and Lorraine Todd.

Our Gal – Deanna Williams

February 14, 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 for three years and my husband and I lived 60km outside of Forbes for 33 years. I like the people; I’m a country girl and I love the country and I really enjoy our dragon boat club.

What was your first job? I did my nurses training at St Vincent’s in Sydney and we were paid for it back then, so that was my first job.

What makes you laugh the most? My grandchildren make me laugh.

If money were no object, what would you do with your time? Travel and see Australia in the caravan.

Describe your dream holiday? Travelling around Australia in the caravan with an open-ended date, coming home whenever I wanted to.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Our family holidays with my father, mother and siblings. Swimming in the dam and doing farm work. Hayrides and swimming in Manor Creek every New Year’s Day. Attending debutante balls and getting dressed up.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? I don’t think I’d live anywhere else but Australia, and now is fine, I’m happy with where and when I am. I would like more time though, life has become so busy.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? Geoff, my husband. I’d also love to share a meal with a couple of old nursing friends.

Shave The Date

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Deb Hewitt and Indigo Kriedemann of Currajong with Fiona McGonigal practising for the World’s Greatest Shave.

Mark Thursday, 12th March down in your calendars because it’s World’s Greatest Shave time again.

This time last year Fiona McGonigal was battling kidney cancer and while most people would’ve taken time out to battle the disease, Fiona decided to raise awareness for cancer research by shaving her head to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

This year Fiona will again be participating in the World’s Greatest Shave and sadly, despite beating kidney cancer last year, she has received the unfortunate news that the disease has returned on the left side of her adrenal gland.

While Fiona has her ups and downs, she says nothing will stop her trying to beat last year’s fundraising effort of $1,000 which was her initial target. “The funds are vital, make no secret of it, but so too is awareness of cancer and different cancer types,” Fiona said. “Every day another 35 Australians are diagnosed with a blood cancer. That’s one Aussie every 41 minutes.”

According to the World’s Greatest Shave website – by signing up and raising money for World’s Greatest Shave, you’ll be part of an elite group of extraordinary people who are on a mission to reach the Leukaemia Foundation’s bold new goal: zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.

If you want to support Fiona watch this space for more info, links and how to donate over the coming weeks otherwise contact Currajong Disability Services about how to get involved on 02 6863 4713.

Low Scores Again In Medals

February 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Individual 18-hole Stroke Medal competition on Saturday, sponsored by ‘The Roadies’ group of club members, was contested by a field of 57 who eagerly wanted to win their respective Grades.

The A-Grade winner was Mark ‘Stubbie’ Collits with a fine 69. Mark had to ward off Dave Mylecharane, runner-up on count back, and Peter Cowhan who missed out. They played well, with each having only one blemish.

The B-Grade also scored low. Dave Rhodes was confident throughout his 71 nett. Runner-up was Laurie O’Connor, 72 on count back from Jeff Haley. The C-Grade also went low, with the winner Nick Ryan finishing on 68 nett and recording the best score of the day. The runner-up was Matt Duff with his 71 nett.

The ball sweep went to 73 on count back: 68 – N Ryan; 69 – M Collits, D Mylecharane, P Cowhan; 70 – K Cobcroft; 71 – R Rho- des, S Kirkman, M Duff, R Webb; 72 – J Dobell, N McMillan, L O’Connor, J Haley; 73 – I Bown, C Simmons. The NTP’s went to: 9th – D Mylecharane; 18th – S Grallelis.

The Sunday Stableford Medley was a small affair with many players away on Pennants duty. The winner was Andrew Dukes with 27 points. There was no runner-up or ball sweep. The NTP’s, sponsored by GWG, also went to Andrew, as he collected both.

The Summer Super 6’s comp is doing well. Some teams will benefit from the next ‘Double-points’ round, due on the week of 10-16 February.

The NSW Women’s Open, being held at Dubbo on 27th February to 1st March, offers an opportunity for local golfers. They can either volunteer to help and gain free entry plus some ‘goodies’, or they can apply now for free entry tickets. Contact the Pro Shop or Club Captain for details.

By Short Putt

Bedgerabong Races 2020

February 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Come out to Bedgerabong Races for a fun filled day of entertainment for all ages.

Bedgerabong Picnic Races will be held on Saturday, 15th February 2020 with the first race starting at 1.30pm. This year will see an increase in the total prizemoney from $25,000 to $30,000 which will be shared across the six-race program.

Western Tree Care are this year’s Bedgerabong Picnic Cup Major Sponsors, this is truly appreciated in such trying times.

Buses will run from Forbes to Bedgerabong, first departing at 12pm and will begin returning to Forbes from 7.45pm. The buses will run on a needs basis.

There will be an auction of special printed Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club shirts, footraces for children and adults alike and a jumping castle to keep the little ones entertained. The Melbourne band Trainwreck Trio will be providing live entertainment from 6.30pm.

This year onsite eftpos facilities will be available, not for cash withdrawals, but tap and go for bar tickets. The undercover bar area has mister fans to keep patrons cool and there is also an undercover bookmakers area with both local and metropolitan bookies onsite. Seating will be provided, and attendees can bring their own marquee provided they book in with the coordinator. Details are provided at bedgerabongraces.com.au. A satellite bar is also provided for the marquee patrons plus the on-course caterers Rob Speed and Smokin Croc available until end of service.

Fashions on the field will return this year and the details are on the website and will be in the race book. Great prizes to be won for the best on the field.

Currently, volunteers from the community are watering the track and grounds so it is green for race day. The grounds and track are looking amazing considering the harsh lead up to the races.

There is a lot of fun to be had so make it a date and head out for a great day of entertainment.

We’re Still Here Despite The Heat

February 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Tom Curtain and his crew visited Forbes on Saturday evening for his ‘We’re Still Here’ tour.

Forbes residents and visitors converged on the showground last Saturday evening for a night of family fun and entertainment. Tom Curtain visited Forbes for his ‘We’re Still Here’ tour which is raising money and morale in drought-stricken communities throughout Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

There was an enthusiastic crowd that attended the event, despite the heat, to support the tour while watching interactive shows of horsemanship, music and dance. As the sun went down, so did the force of the heat, making the atmosphere even more cheerful. Children kicked off their shoes to run and dance in the field before the stage while adults mingled over food, drink and good music.

The crowd was captivated by the show.

Money raised on the night went to the CWA drought relief to assist local communities. Attendees expressed their appreciation for the tour and for simply having the opportunity to support drought relief by attending such an entertaining and engaging evening for all. Jodi Penfold of West Wyalong said the evening was “awesome, really great to have something like this on for families” and when asked if she would support a similar event in the future, Jodi responded “absolutely”. Jodi’s sister-in-law Ruth Penfold, also attended and added that “she would definitely come to something like this again”.

It was fantastic to see Forbes residents and visitors from neighbouring towns throw their enthusiastic support behind the tour and behind such an important cause.

Our Bloke – Patrick Sukkar

February 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have been here for eight years, it’s a good balance between a quiet town with plenty to do.

What was your first job? I was a kitchen hand, helping my mum in a Lebanese restaurant.

What makes you laugh the most? My wife Sienna does, she’s got a really positive outlook.

If money was no object, what would you do with your time? I’d probably study philosophy and hang out with my mates.

Describe your dream holiday? A place that has warm water, no sharks or box jellyfish or anything that can kill me in the water. Where I can lay in the sun without being sunburnt.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? I used to play cricket with my dad, I normally don’t like cricket, but I enjoyed playing it with my dad.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? I wish I was born in America right after WWII. I think the 50’s and 60’s would have been a great era to live in with all of the social and technological changes and innovations. It was the perfect time to be an engineer.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? I’d love to have lunch with my two best friends Peter and Michael.

Plans Unveiled For New Cultural And Arts Hub

February 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Arts Society (FAS) has revealed its vision for the former Forbes Ambulance Station building.

Located on the corner of Lachlan and Court Streets, the prominent building is set to house an expanded art gallery, meeting rooms, performance and workshop spaces as well as a cafe.

The $5.7 million Lachlan Valley Arts and Cultural Development aims to grow the Forbes and Lachlan Shire and the Lachlan Valley visitor economy and promote the region as a premier tourism destination.

In addition to the new Forbes Cultural Centre, the project also includes the commissioning of 15 new sculptures to extend the Sculpture down the Lachlan Trail and the redevelopment of the bird hides at the Gum Swamp wetlands.

Forbes Arts Society’s Dr Keith Mullette said: “While we are in the early design phase for the new Cultural Centre, preliminary work has already commenced on parts of the new bird hides, and there are three new sculptures ready for installation along the Lachlan Valley Way”.

“Over the next three years we will see our vision of developing Forbes as a cultural and arts hub come to fruition and hopefully incorporating the Shires of the valley. This certainly is an exciting game changer for tourism in our region,” said Keith.

Residents are invited to learn more about the project at a public meeting to be held next Wednesday, 12th February at the Forbes Services Club commencing at 5.30pm.

The Lachlan Valley Arts and Cultural Development is jointly funded by the NSW Government under the Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Development Fund, Evolution Mining, Forbes Shire Council and Lachlan Shire Council and the Forbes Arts Society.

Ski Dam Upgrade

February 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

If you are a regular dam walker or water skier, you may have noticed some changes taking place around the park and beach at the Ski Dam of late. Works have begun with stage two of improvement works which have been funded, in part, by a generous donation from Northparkes Mines. The works taking place now will see the installation of a new BBQ shelter, additional seating, landscaping and irrigation. Users are reminded to follow signage and direction from workers on site.

Snippets…

February 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Upgrades to the ski dam taking place, see page 7 for more information.

Giving Back to The Community: On Tuesday Bernardi’s supermarket store manager Jason presented cheques to the three beneficiaries of round two of their ‘Building Better Communities’ program. The Forbes supermarket donated a total of $5,000 to Forbes Junior Rugby, St Laurence’s P&F and the Forbes Fins. The final tally saw Forbes Fins receiving $2,500, St Laurence’s Parish School Forbes with $1,500 and Forbes Junior Rugby receiving $1,000. What a fantastic initiative by Bernardi’s.

Can You Assist CanAssist: Graeme Howie from the Howie Bros and country entertainer and comedian Robbie Edge will be performing their ‘Morning Melodies’ show at the Forbes Service Club on Monday 17th February from 10.30am til 12pm. The tickets are $15 at the door and proceeds will go to the CanAssist Cancer Assistance Network. CanAssist is a charity that is committed to ensuring all people, regardless of where they live in NSW, can access cancer treatment and care. By providing accommodation, financial assistance and practical support to people from rural and regional areas, CanAssist ensures that country people are given the same opportunities and treatment choices as those who live in city centres.

World Wetlands Day: Last Sunday was World Wetlands Day and what a wonderful reminder of the upgrades to our own facilities at the Gum Swamp bird hide coming in 2020. Forbes is so fortunate to house such diverse ecosystems. Wetlands are important because they absorb and store water, remove pollutants from water and a whopping 40% of all species live or breed in wetlands. Not only do wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, they also attract visitors for recreation and tourism, making their importance economically tangible. It will be wonderful to see much deserved upgrades to the Gum Swamp bird hide facilities, making it more accessible and user friendly to the public.

Gum Swamp is such a beautiful place, soon to be enjoyed by many more.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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