Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Hidden Treasures Uncovered

January 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Last Friday local ladies Terese Gunn and Cassandra Tyack were honoured at a morning tea to celebrate ladies on the 2020 Hidden Treasures honour roll. Phil Donato MP attended the event to recognise a total of five women for their selfless work. The morning tea was hosted by the daytime ladies of the CWA and was attended by Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller as well as friends and family of the ladies.

As he called each honour roll recipient up, Phil Donato read impressive and lengthy citations of the achievements and contributions of each hidden treasure. The short history behind Terese and Cassandra’s astounding success in fundraising is nothing short of amazing.

In 2015 the ladies organised the first Forbes Can Assist Dancing Stars event. With hopes of raising $15,000 for the local Can Assist branch, the ladies exceeded their own expectations by raising a whopping $36,000. Considering the relatively small population of Forbes, it is fair to conclude that the first fundraising evening for Forbes Can Assist was a raging success. However, it was not enough for Terese and Cassandra, who went on to raise a total of $200,000 in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Mayor Phyllis Miller was there to congratulate the ladies, stating that the initiative is “a great opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution that volunteers make to enrich our community.”

What is your new year’s resolution?

January 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jacinta Slaven: I don’t have one because I’m perfect.

Daryl Mowbray: To go on a big overseas trip.

Graeme Mowbray: I don’t have one.

What Is A Crime?

January 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

There are many crimes or offences. A lot are contained in the Crimes Act but many more are contained in other statutes both of the State and Federal Parliaments. The range of offences vary from murder down to parking.

Most criminal matters are commenced by the Police or the Director of Public Prosecutions by way of Court Attendance Notices (formerly known as Police Charges/ Summonses) and those charged with an offence will appear firstly before a magistrate sitting in a local court. In some cases, issues of bail may need to be considered.

Magistrates deal with over 90% of criminal matters summarily but the more serious offences are committed to the District Court or Supreme Court for trial before a judge and/or jury.

Unlike civil matters, criminal matters must be proved ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ having regard to the elements of the offence. This is when a solicitor’s professional knowledge becomes essential for the client (i.e. the person charged with an offence).

Police will normally have a fact sheet (which is not evidence but outlines the Police case) on the occasion of the first appearance before the court. With the fact sheet and instructions from the client, this will help the solicitor in deciding whether to advise the client to plead guilty or not guilty having regard to the elements of the offence. Sometimes an adjournment is necessary to obtain further information.

Once a plea is entered, the magistrate may adjourn the matter for hearing, sentence the client, commit the client for trial in a higher court or other options which may depend on the seriousness of the offence and the previous criminal history of the client.

Be Seen

January 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Lenny Lyer is one the Garden Club’s younger members.

Sophie Jones provided backup vocals during a performance at A Night on The SS Mississippi by the lake.

Local toddler Florence Alghamdi braces herself for the approaching dust storm on Sunday.

Currajong Swimming Carnival Promises To Be Best Yet

January 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Ian ‘Thorpedo” Kaupke will be back in 2020 at the Currajong Disability Services Annual All Abilities Swimming Carnival which will be held at Parkes Aquatic Centre.

In just six short weeks, the Currajong Disability Services Annual All Abilities Swimming Carnival will be held at Parkes Aquatic Centre. On Wednesday, 4 March participants from Orange, Temora, Trangie, Dubbo, Cowra, Forbes and Bathurst will converge in Parkes for the flagship event.

In 2019, 120 entrants competed, and interest in this year’s event is promising an even bigger carnival. Organiser Indigo Kriedemann said that the day was a real highlight on the regional disability calendar and many were already looking forward to it.

“It’s a great event that brings together people far and wide within the disability community,” Indigo said.

In previous years Currajong has dominated the event however, last year Live Better from Orange won the chocolates despite sterling efforts in the pool by Ian Kaupkee and Tim McDonald.

“It really is a special day because we all don’t get together that often,” Indigo said. “It’s also a real social outing and I know many of us get a buzz out of it!”

To register, email indigo.kriedemann@currajong.org.au Alternately you can call 02 6883 4713 to confirm your organisation’s place in this blue chip event.

Arts Funding Announced For Forbes

January 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Arts OutWest have granted a share of $19,000 in funding for arts projects across the Central West with Forbes receiving funding for two out of seven projects in the region. With an aim to provide arts activities to communities in regional NSW, the Country Arts Support Program (CASP) 2020 will support the implementation of screen printing and Wiradjuri language activities in Forbes, as well as drumming and music activities for children.

By encouraging communities to work together on cross cultural artistic projects, CASP supports cultural diversity within communities and ensures that regional and rural areas have an artistic voice.

Some of the projects receiving funding are fibre weaving and art installation workshops with young people in Spring Terrace, creative arts activities for LGBTQIA identifying women in Bathurst and skills workshops for visual artists in Canowindra.

Arts OutWest is a regional arts development organisation servicing Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin. Arts OutWest Executive Director Tracey Callinan said, “These seven projects offer exciting opportunities to communities, arts makers and audiences in the region. They also provide employment opportunities to local artists.”

Snippets…

January 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Senior Constable Kelvin Jubb from the local Highway Patrol will be one of the many Police Officers patrolling local roads over the long weekend.

Don’t Forget Double Demerits: Drivers are being reminded that double demerit points will be in force for four days for this long weekend. From Friday, 24 January to Monday, 27 January for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences, double demerits will be applied.

NSW Police’s Central West Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Melanie Maguire is encouraging all road users to pay attention to road conditions and allow plenty of travel time this long weekend. “The increase in traffic over the long weekend increases the risk of crashes occurring. We all have a part to play in reducing the number of crashes and risks. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, don’t drink and drive, limit distractions in the car and ensure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelt,” Acting Sergeant Maguire said.

Nominations Open for Local Sporting Talent: The Forbes Sportsperson of the Year Committee are calling for all local sporting organisations to submit nominations for the annual awards before the end of January. Nominations are open for local athletes, administrators, officials and coaches. Winners to be announced at the Annual Awards Presentation Dinner to be held on Saturday, 7 March at the Forbes Services Memorial Club commencing at 6:30pm. Nominations forms can be found on the Forbes SOYA Facebook page or by contacting organisation secretary, Anita Morrison on 0405 364 512 or email morrisonaj68@gmail.com.

Market to Make a Difference: Come down to the Forbes Golf Club on Thursday, 30 January from 7pm-9pm. Everyone is invited to this fun market night with plenty on offer for all. Essential oils, clothing, handmade soaps, jewellery, cakes and melts and more will be on offer. There will also be a silent auction for some of the donated goods. All funds raised will be going to people who have lost homes in the recent bushfires. Half of the funds raised will be going to people who have lost homes via Nowra Rotary Club. Nowra Rotary have been very generous in supporting people in and around Forbes during the ongoing drought so now is a chance to offer support. The other half will be going to a Wonboyn resident who lost his home. Cost to enter is a gold coin donation.

Come down to the Golf Club on Thursday for your chance to win beautifully handcrafted items.

Alf Davies Top Scores

January 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

In the Annual ‘Lefties vs Righties’ Cup, an Individual Stableford 18-hole Stroke event played last Saturday by 73 players, Alf Davies came out on top with a score of 44 points. His scratch score was an even par 72 and earned him top honours in Division 2.

Runner-up in Division 2 was Phil Duke with 40 points, but this was on count back from Doug Churchill. Division 1 was won by Garry Collits with 38 points, ahead of Les Little on 37 points.

The visitors seemed to enjoy themselves, with Will Clayton (Bowral) scoring 36 points and Matt Donohoe (Royal Sydney) dropping a few good putts in.

The ‘Righties vs Lefties’ Cup was won by the Righties. Despite an inspired performance by Leftie Alf Davies, the Righties were consistent overall. Scoring by weighted average top-6, equal numbers had the Righties as winners.

Looking back over the results for events played across the festive season we see some familiar names:

The 18-hole stroke event on 11th January had a strong field despite the hot conditions. For Division 1, Jacob Bernadi (70 nett) won on count back from Daryl McAuliffe, while in Division 2 Albie Callaghan (67) won ahead of Al Rees (70). The ball sweep went to 35 points on c/b.

The 2P-2Club Australian Championship scheduled for 25th January has been postponed until 15th February. Golf on this weekend, Saturday 25th January will be an 18-Hole Stableford, with Stableford Medley’s on Sunday and Monday, the Australia Day Holiday.

By Short Putt

Forbes And Eugowra To Benefit From Inland Rail Community Grants

January 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Inland Rail CEO Richard Wankmuller, ARTC Chairman Warren Truss and ARTC Managing Director and CEO John Fullerton.

Nineteen initiatives were announced last week to improve the wellbeing of regional communities in which Inland Rail will operate. From new student laptops, events to break the cycle of isolation for farmers and bringing the magic of Dolly Parton to Narromine, Round three of the Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program has seen more than $55,000 allocated to benefit schools, community groups and associations in regional communities across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

Inland Rail Director of Engagement, Environment and Property Rebecca Pickering said the program’s success along the whole rail corridor had provided a well-deserved funding boost to worthy initiatives which build community prosperity.

“Delivering Inland Rail is only possible in partnership with the communities in which we operate and supporting our communities’ sustainability is paramount.” According to Rebecca, “A key commitment of Inland Rail

is to leave a positive legacy along the rail corridor and the Community Sponsorships and Donations program is just one example of how we seek to ensure regional communities benefit from this unique project.”

So far, more than $180,000 has been allocated to a range of events, projects and community activities in different communities. In the third round, Forbes Public School P&C Association Inc. have been successful in their application for a grant to purchase five laptops for student classroom use. Additionally, Eugowra Rugby League Club were successful in gaining funding for grandstand seating at their Rugby League Club.

Local business could be in for a boost by registering their interest in the Inland Rail project. A regional supplier briefing will be held for local businesses on Tuesday, 4 February from 6pm–8pm at Forbes Services Memorial Club. Local business owners can register online at https://inlandrail.artc.com.au/S2P to attend the briefing and learn more about how to tender for work.

Mayoral Notes

January 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

After a nice break with family and friends it’s back to the grind for another year. Firstly, I must pay tribute to the amazing work the RFS and Fire & Rescue crews have done in this most tragic fire season.

On behalf of the Forbes Community we send our thoughts and prayers to all concerned. We at Council are offering our assistance wherever possible. There have been many fire fighters from the Forbes area who have gone into battle at the fire front and I truly thank them.

The Elvis Festival was a great success and we thank the Parkes Council and Mayor, Ken Keith for their hard work over the years that has grown to be a significant part of the Forbes Calendar as well. It provides a huge economic boost to our Shire so we are thankful to Parkes Council and community.

Australia Day Festivities are promising to delight all. With the Street Parade returning we hope you all get in and participate.

Congratulations to the Forbes Arts Society on purchasing the old Forbes Ambulance Station. We anticipate the transformation of this space.

2020 is shaping up to be a great year for Forbes. Let’s all start the year off by working together to make Forbes the greatest place to work, live and play!

God Bless.
Your Mayor, Phyllis Miller

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Subscribe