Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Forbes Croquet Off To A Smashing Start In 2020

January 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Golf Croquet 14th January 2020
There was a great turn out on nice green courts for the first game of 2020. Forbes Croquet Club are pleased to welcome two new members to their club, Helen Brown and Phil Moran. Phil Moran had a win on his first day and was partnered with Alex Todd against Helen Brown and Tony Thomson. They won 7-5.

Aussie Croquet 18th January 2020
An exciting game of the day was between Kevin Rubie and John job who defeated Harley Stewart and Jeff Liebich 14-13. Stewart and Liebich were over two hoops in front before a sudden surge from Kevin Rubie and John Job caught up and then it was a race to the finish. Kevin Rubie out of nowhere, smashing the balls all over the courts before finally pegging out leaving Stewart and Liebich inches from the finishing peg. It is not hard to see how Kevin Rubie won the champions trophy in 2019. It seems he hasn’t lost his skill and is well on the way to another great year.

Our Bloke – Father Simon Apablaza

January 24, 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 now. I love how people care about each other and how friendly they are. It’s a clean and pretty place with the lake and old buildings.

What was your first job? I’m a Priest, that’s my first job.

If money was no object, what would you do all day? (Laughs) What I am doing now.

Who is your hero and why? I suppose John Paul II inspires me because of his courage and the way he faces opposition. He remained Pope until death to show people the beauty in aging and death. He overcame communism and helped open a new branch of philosophy, he was the greatest man of our century.

What makes you laugh the most? Everything.

Describe your dream holiday. I don’t have a dream holiday but I love going home and seeing my family in Chile. I did a spiritual retreat in Italy and went to Ireland recently to find more about Saint Laurence O’Toole who is the patron Saint of the church here. Both holidays were amazing.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? Moses, Jesus and Elijah. There are a few great people I admire; they are Priests and nuns, but I see them all of the time. There are two Priests who are really close friends and a Nun in Chile, I love them, but if I can choose Jesus… (laughs) I think he (Jesus) was strong and kind and would have been a fun guy to party with.

What is a childhood memory of yours? When I sang. Since I was a kid I sang. I have always loved music.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? Now! Today I think we have a better life (than ever before); this generation is the most comfortable generation in the Western world.

New Water Restrictions For CTW

January 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Level 4 water restrictions are in place as of 1 January 2020. The decision was made to implement the changes at the Central Tablelands Water (CTW) meeting in December last year.

Gavin Rhodes, the General Manager of CTW pointed out that Lake Rowlands, in particular, had seen a rapid reduction of 3% in a period of just two weeks over the peak summer demand period. Due to a long-term forecast of unfavourable drought conditions, the decision was made to implement a more responsible water restriction level in order to manage the water.

Under CTW’s current Water Restrictions Policy, Level 4 restrictions are put in place when Lake Rowlands falls to 40%.

CTW’s Deputy Chairman, Cr Kevin Walker stated, “Although Lake Rowlands is currently at 44%, we anticipate that it will continue to fall at a rapid rate as the warmer weather endures and the forecasted rainfall for the upcoming months is negligible at best. The CTW Board have been unanimous in deciding to implement Level 4 restrictions and are fully supportive of the CTW Senior Management Team and staff in managing this precious resource”.

Level 4 restrictions consist of:

• The watering of gardens on Wednesday and Sunday evenings between 6pm and 8pm for a maximum of one hour.
• Watering of lawns is not permitted.
• Additional approval has been granted by Council for the use of a handheld trigger hose for up to one hour per allocated watering day to water gardens only.

CTW will continue to closely monitor the level of Lake Rowlands and implement strategies to gain access to the dead storage of the dam in the future.

CTW has expressed thanks to water consumers for their understanding of the importance of using water wisely during this period of intense drought.

For further information, see page seven, call CTW’s administration office on 02 6391 7200 or visit their website at www.ctw.nsw.gov.au.

Outstanding HSC Results For Parkes Christian School

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The PCS Year 12 graduates are at the back (L-R) Jessica Weber, Ella Richards, Chelsea Johnson, Mikeely Bermingham, Elisha Littlewood, Tiarne Rusten and Chloe Hill. In front are Ali Himmetpasaoglu, Zak Chatman, Mark Allen, Nic Jones, Mitchell Applebee, Joel Hall-Matthews and Jesse Magill.

Parkes Christian School (PCS) is celebrating another year of outstanding HSC results with Creative and Performing Arts coming to the fore this year.

In just the fifth year of delivering the HSC, the school is very proud of the results achieved by the 2019 cohort.

Students achieved Band 5 and 6 results in Advanced and Extension English, Business Studies, Drama, Music 1, PDHPE, Software Design and Development, and Visual Arts.

Ella Richards capped off a memorable year by achieving a Band 6 in Visual Arts after submitting an impressive series of paintings for her major work.

She also achieved Band 5 in Advanced English, Drama and Music 1, demonstrating her outstanding ability in the Creative and Performing Arts.

Ella also achieved an E3 in English Extension 1, in which she received 41/50 in an extremely demanding and academic course. She will now be able to gain direct entry into a Graphic Design Course in Sydney next year.

Chloe Hill also achieved some excellent results, securing Band 5 in Business Studies and PDHPE.

She also performed extremely well in English Advanced and Mathematics, which will put her in a good position to undertake her chosen university study. She had already gained entry to a number of courses through the Schools Recommendation Scheme.

There were also some outstanding results for students completing their first year of Compressed Curriculum.

This method sees students sit Year 11 and Year 12 in one year for three subjects, before doing the same for three more subjects the following year rather than doing six subjects over two years.

Because students only have to concentrate on three subjects at once, it allows for more focused learning and less stress for HSC students.

This method has certainly proved successful, with students being far less stressed throughout the year compared to past students.

Grace Prow received a Band 5 in Music 1 and just missed another Band 5 in Multimedia, while Christopher Cox achieved Band 5 for Business Studies and Software Design and Development.

Tanya Onserio was another student to show her prowess in the Creative Arts with a Band 5 in Music 1.

These three students will complete the second half of their HSC next year.

High School Coordinator Greg Ballantyne was thrilled with the results.

“As a school we are really pleased for Ella and Chloe. Their results are the product of many hours of hard work and dedication,” he said.

“But the rest of the group have also done extremely well and have bright futures ahead of them.”

“Every student who applied for early entry to university received an offer, maintaining our 100% record over the past five years. We work hard as a staff to give our students the best possible opportunities to succeed, so it is nice to see them taking those opportunities.”

“But at the end of the day, it is the students who have done the hard work and need to take all the credit for their achievements. We’re just here to help them along the way.”

“The thing I’m most pleased with is that every student seemed to be very happy throughout their HSC, enjoyed being at school, had time to pursue other interests and hobbies, and learned a lot about being people of good character and integrity. These are the things that will stay with them throughout their lives.”

Golf Guide For The Festive Season

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The first part of the Summer Sixes competition finished last week. At this stage the Pool A leaders are Platypi Players despite suffering their first loss in week 7. In Pool B, it has been quite tight all the way, but Grant Howell Auto Electrics have snared top spot with a consistent team performance.

Planning is underway for an event, previously known as the ‘Ashes Cup’, to be played on January 26, the Australia Day weekend. It will likely be a team event.

A Reminder to enter for the CWDGA Pennants 2020. Put your name on the sheet in the Pro Shop or contact the Club Captain. Saturday, 21st December has a Stableford event, sponsored by Shirley Redfern, with Saturday, 28th December a Stroke event sponsored by Steele Tech.

Across the festive season break Stableford Medleys will be played on Sunday, 22nd and Sunday, 29th December, with an additional comp on Thursday, 26th December.

The staff at the Pro Shop wish all players, be they club, social or casual, a very merry Christmas, a safe New Year, and good luck throughout 2020.

By Short Putt

Celebrate Elvis In Forbes

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The 2020 Elvis Festival has a new event in Forbes next year with the addition of A Night on S.S. Mississippi Queen. Guests are asked to immerse themselves in the world of Frankie and Johnny, this year’s Elvis theme, and dine on the banks of the beautiful Lake Forbes on Saturday, 11th January.

“It will be an event like no other,” says Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM. “Dine under the stars, by our beautiful Lake with a sumptuous three course meal catered by Eat Your Greens, Pantry Cafe and Sweet Three Vintage Van. The entertainment will be amazing with the incredible Raechel Whitchurch and her Bolo Boys performing their Hillbilly Elvis show live. If you are feeling lucky try your luck at our simulated table games.”

The event will be fully licenced and tickets are $90 per person which includes dinner and the Hillbilly Elvis live show. These can be purchased through 123tix.com.au. “Table bookings are advised to ensure you are seated with those you would like to be seated with,” said Phyllis.

“They can be in groups of six or twelve. Please don’t be discouraged if you haven’t got a table full, it will be a wonderful atmosphere to mingle and meet new people. Forbes really knows how to throw an event like this. Good food, good company and of course a good time!”

For more information about A Night on the S.S. Mississippi, contact Forbes Shire Council on 6850 2300.

Family Law – Should You Use a Lawyer?

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

It is possible to do your own divorce, property settlement, custody and maintenance matters. Remember that these areas are fraught with emotion and pit falls. Remember, too, the old axiom: “Any lawyer who acts for himself has a fool for a client.” This applies equally to lay people.

Lawyers can give you information and advice, prepare documents, assist in negotiations, counselling and mediations, and can represent you in court if your issues cannot be resolved beforehand.

The Family Law Act requires a lawyer to tell you about how you can settle your disputes by conciliation and the counselling services offered by the Family Court. You must also be given a copy of the information brochure “Marriage, Families and Separation”.

The reasons you should consider appointment of a legal representative are that you may want advice on multiple issues at the same time. A court will not grant final orders until it is satisfied that proper arrangements have been made for the children. There may also be tensions between the parties, which make it impossible for them to objectively deal with all issues.

Legal aid maybe available but you will need to complete and submit a legal aid application.

If we at Matthews Williams can assist you on this or any other legal matter, feel free to phone me or one of our solicitors or call into our office for an appointment.

By Mark Olson

Get Your Dancing Shoes Dusted For A Rocking January

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Rock up to some brand-new entertainment at Parkes Elvis Festival that will have you dancing in your seats! The Soul Movers, Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows and a Comedy Hypnosis Show: Elvis Style, are just a few of the new and exciting performances the festival has in store for locals.

Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s birthday by watching one of Australia’s most iconic soul and blues band, Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows, at the Parkes Services Club on Wednesday, 8th January at 5:30pm. Joe is also the Wall of Fame inductee at the 2020 festival, which will take place at 2pm on the same day.

Tickets to this entertaining show performed by these Australian music legends would make the perfect Christmas gift.

The Soul Movers are a rockin’ pop and funky soul band fronted by Lizzie Mack and her brother in soul, guitarist and ex red Wiggle Murray Cooke, groove bass player Andy Newman (The Visitors), Marko Simec on keys (Waiting for Guinness) and drummer to the stars Lozz Benson.

This 60-minute show will be unforgettable as their sound is all about creating soul-moving music that will leave you bopping long after the last encore. The Soul Movers are performing at the Parkes Little Theatre on Friday, 10th January at 9pm.

Hypnotist Wayne Donnelly will be unleashing his hypnotic skills on willing volunteers and will make the world go away in a series of hysterical and hilarious Elvis Style hypnosis routines. It’s now or never, come and create memories that will last a lifetime at Parkes Little Theatre on Saturday, 11th January at 8pm.

For further information and tickets visit parkeselvisfestival.com.au.

• Special Elvis Issue: The next edition of The Forbes Phoenix will be a bumper Elvis edition on Thursday, 9th January filled with stories and information on the 2020 Parkes Elvis Festival.

SNIPPETS…

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Congratulations to Forbes High School’s Claudia Cheney who received the Phil Donato MP School Citizen Award of 2019.

Extreme Heatwave Warning: The Western NSW Local Health District is reminding people to be cautious during the extreme heatwave conditions that are forecast across the region for the rest of the week. It is advised for people to minimise outdoor or physically strenuous activities with temperatures reaching over 40 degrees Celsius.

Heat related injury is serious and can cause serious illness as well as exacerbate existing illnesses. Forbes residents with chronic medical conditions and those over 75 years of age are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness. Younger, healthier Forbes community members are urged to check on elderly friends, family and neighbours whenever possible.

Be aware of the signs of heat-related illness, they include dizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst, fainting, muscle pains or cramps, headache, changes in skin colour, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, vomiting and confusion. If symptoms occur, get to a cool place and seek medical attention if the signs are severe. In an emergency situation call Triple Zero (000).

Another School Year Complete: Forbes Public School students from Kindergarten, year one and year two received a visit from summer Santa and his real-life elf on Tuesday. Their visit, coupled with the annual end of year party and water fight, ensured junior students ended their school year on a high. Next year will see the largest intake of Kindergarten students at Forbes Public School in many years with an extra class being made to accommodate the children.

Bust The Dust: Forbes North Public School joined hundreds of other schools across NSW and even parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory for the Bust The Dust rain dance on Friday last week at 1pm. The dance is part of a campaign created by students of Trangie St John’s Parish School that aims to lift spirits and cheer people up who are struggling with the pressures of the drought this festive season. With more than 500 schools registered, the dance has raised just over $8000 for Rural Aid Australia, as of Wednesday 18th December. Students left their classrooms at 1pm to dance and kick up the dust, a fantastic way to start summer and end their schooling year.

Ava Hughes and schoolmates from Forbes North Public School busting the dust.

Editor’s Notes

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

This holiday period is all about spending quality time with our loved ones. It is a time for good food and even better company. A time of great stress for some as well as much rest, I hope.

I’d like to say a special thank you to the many people who contribute to our paper, whether it is weekly or a one off, you are appreciated.

I’d like to wish each of our readers a very Merry Christmas and an even happier New Year. Please stay safe, hydrated and happy. We will see you in the New Year.

Alexandria Irvine

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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