Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Free Hospitality Courses To Boost Local Economy

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Globe Hotel Owner Michael Spice, Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller, NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway have welcomed the free courses in hospitality.

Locals looking for a career change have an opportunity to learn the basics of hospitality through a suite of free short courses.

Kickstart Your Career in Hospitality, a new NSW Government program which aims to supercharge the hospitality sector and grow the economy, is now available for people looking to secure jobs or further their career in hospitality.

“We want more people to consider their future in the hospitality industry by offering free short courses that can help them secure jobs in local cafes, pubs, clubs or restaurants,” said Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway.

Owner of the Globe Hotel in Forbes Michael Spice said the initiative would help local businesses struggling to retain staff, professional workers looking to upskill and anyone seeking a career in hospitality.

“The past few years have been tough for local pubs and cafes to find and keep staff,” he said.

“Our local economy relies on tourists and locals getting out and supporting their local. This has been a challenge because without manpower, we cannot provide the best customer service that our patrons deserve.

“With a brand-new restaurant opened recently on Dowling Street, we have been struggling to find workers.

“Finally, with this program running, we will attract locals looking to get their foot in the door of such a rewarding career path.”

More information about eligibility criteria and enrolments is available https://skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/hospitality-skills.

Spring Is In The Air

September 9, 2022 by Elvy Quirk

It seems as though Spring has sprung with a little warmer sunny weather which is great for gardeners to be out and about in the fresh air and digging in the soil.

The Forbes Garden Club is gearing up for the Forbes Show with members getting their entries ready this week. Make sure to visit the flower exhibits when you are at the show this weekend.

Our third Biennial Spring Flower & Rose show will take place at Club Forbes on 15th October. Entries will be accepted on Friday, 14th October from 3pm to 4pm, as well as on Saturday, 15th October from 7:30 to 9:30am. Doors will close at 10am sharp for judging. All entries are welcome and there is no entry fee charged.

Entry to the Flower Show for the public is just $2, and doors will open at 1:30pm on Saturday, 15th October.

We would like to thank our major sponsors Ace Machining P/L, Acheson’s Home Timber & Hardware, Agriwest, Farmhouse Florae, Flannery Pharmacy, Forbes Riverside Community Gardens, Hoz Pots & Outback Soils.

The flower show schedules are now available, please contact President Elvy on 0428 540 272.

By Elvy Quirk

A Day The Forbes Magpies Will Never Forget

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Magpies went in as the underdogs but stunned the Dubbo CYMS when they made history to win the grand final of the Peter McDonald Premiership 26 – 16 in Dubbo on Father’s Day. The town of Forbes literally turned black and white in support of the team and to top the victory Mitch Andrews was named player of the grand final. It was also a special victory for Cameron and Nick Greenhalgh who are not only coach and team captain, but also father and son.

Snippets…

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Trundle Bush Tucker Day drew a huge crowd last Saturday with lots of fun competitions, like the billy boiling race, and entertainment by Troy Cassar-Daley. (Photo: Jo Quarmby)

Regional Health Advisory Panel: Mayor of Parkes Cr Ken Keith is one of the local leaders appointed to the new Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel. The panel forms part of the NSW Government’s response to the Rural Health Inquiry with support in principle for 41 of the 44 recommendations. Other local leaders included are Orange GP Dr Anna Windsor and Broken Hill Midwife Meg Austin. The government will be recruiting 10,148 full-time equivalent staff to hospitals and health services across the state over four years – the nation’s largest-ever health workforce boost.

Rural Crime: A new Rural Crime Investigator position in Orange has been created for two specialist investigators backed in by the existing two specialist investigators in Parkes. Rural crime specialist investigators focus on a range of crimes from theft of stock, grain or wool, rural arson and fraud, firearm offences, to cruelty to animals or trespassing. The new position has boosted the total number of Rural Crime Investigators in the NSW Police Force to 53.

Nominate A Tradie: Our Tradie of the Month competitions in Forbes and Parkes, sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear and Totally Work Wear respectively, continues this month. Readers can nominate a tradie, male or female, to go into the draw. Simply drop into Gunn’s Menswear or Totally Work Wear with your nomination, or send us an email at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au or editor@parkesphoenix.com.au.

Central West Photography Competition: ‘Central West Unmasked’ is this year’s theme for Regional Development Australia Central West’s (RDA Central West) annual photography competition. Entrants are encouraged to capture the true essence and hidden gems of their hometowns. Entry is free and open to all ages. The closing date is 5pm on Friday, 30th September. Entrants can submit up to four photographs. More information at www.rdacentralwest.org.au

It’s Magpie Season! Magpies usually breed between August and October and will beak clap, whoosh above your head and screech to warn other birds, animals and humans to stay away from their eggs or newly hatched chicks. Forbes Shire Council will be placing warning signs in areas where there are swooping birds. Magpies tend to only swoop within 100 metres of their nest. Stay calm if you are swooped, and don’t run or wave your arms. Magpies are protected. If the attacks continue or are extremely aggressive contact NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

It is that time of year again and best to wear your helmet when cycling during magpie season, and look out for warning signs.

Love Your Leftovers

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au/

‘Love Your Leftovers’ is an exciting initiative by NetWaste Councils Forbes, Parkes, Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne and Orange, to help tackle the food waste crisis.

The aim is to create a ‘Love Your Leftovers’ online recipe book that is inspired by the community for the community.

The councils are calling on individuals, local schools, community groups and businesses to get involved by sharing their favourite leftovers-inspired recipes, plus any tips and ideas about practical ways to reduce food waste.

Once completed, the online recipe book will be free to download and will be a valuable tool in helping residents find inspiration and ideas to reduce food waste and transform leftovers into nutritious, delicious dishes. If you have a great recipe idea, or even some practical ideas on reducing food waste, you can submit your recipe or idea by completing the entry form at https://app.box.com/s/idto8g3jejsnjz3r4dn0e5akwwp8sk76 and emailing it to netwaste.loveyourleftovers@envirocom.com.au

Recipe submissions should focus on using up pantry staples and leftovers. Meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts and snacks are welcome!

Submissions close on Friday, 25th November. For more information go to netwaste. loveyourleftovers@envirocom.com.au

FOOD WASTE FACTS

• Food waste costs the Australian economy $36.6 billion annually

• The average Australian household throws away $2,500 worth of food every year – that’s equivalent to one in five shopping bags

• The top five most wasted foods in Australia are vegetables, bread, fruit, bagged salad and leftovers

• When food waste rots in a landfill, it generates harmful greenhouse gas emissions

For helpful advice, tips and resources for reducing food waste, visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au.

Humanitarian Of The Year Award For Parkes Businesswoman

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

HUMAN KINDNESS… Parkes businesswoman Rebecca Miller received the Humanitarian of the Year Award for her outstanding fundraising efforts for charities through the Ripple of Kindness Project.

Parkes businesswoman Rebecca Miller has been named Humanitarian of the Year in recognition of her outstanding philanthropic contribution.

The owner of La Bella Medispa received the award at the annual Australian Beauty Industry Awards held in Sydney last month.

Rebecca created The Ripple of Kindness Project in 2018 and has since raised almost $150,000 for various charities.

“This is a very humbling acknowledgement, but the real heroes are the three amazing humans, Margie, Lilly, and Connie, who are the reason why I started The Ripple of Kindness Project, and I would like to dedicate this award to them,” said Rebecca at the awards night.

Rebecca’s first project was raising money and awareness for cancer charities by shaving her head when a close friend Margie Burns was diagnosed with invasive Lobular Carcinoma, an aggressive type of breast cancer. Rebecca raised $25,000 for Parkes CanAssist and Love Your Sister. “I was honestly so blown away by the support,” said Rebecca.

“What really touched me was the response from so many women who have been affected by breast cancer and who shared their stories with me.”

Rebecca’s second project was a 355km run from Parkes to the Westmead Children’s Hospital raising funds for The Bandage Bear Foundation, Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer, The Leukaemia Foundation and CanAssist.

She was inspired by Lilly Wyburn, a Parkes girl who battled leukaemia from the age of two and at only 8.5 years old lost her battle in November 2017. “Lilly touched so many lives in her short time on earth. Throughout the run, I wore a very special necklace that Lilly’s mum, Jodie, gave me. This really helped me to get through this massive challenge”.

After two years of training and planning and COVID-19 delays, Rebecca completed her run on the 18th of April 2021 in nine days, which is just shy of a marathon a day, raising almost $105,000.

In March this year Rebecca saw the struggles her beauty industry community was facing after the challenges of droughts, bushfires, COVID-19 shutdowns and flooding. Rebecca raised almost $9,000 to support salon owners impacted by the floods to help rebuild their salons so they could continue to support themselves, their families, and their team’s families.

“When you give back to other people and your community, it reminds you what you’re made for. Focusing on the needs of others has a way of motivating you to do more than you thought possible. You feel the benefits immediately. You become more productive. You find creative solutions to problems. You find strength when you’re exhausted. That’s because life supports that which improves the quality of life. When we contribute to our community, we become part of something that is bigger than ourselves,” said Rebecca.

The Australian Beauty Industry Awards were launched in 2011 nationally and are judged by an independent panel of judges, media, PR and business specialists.

Fun-Filled Forbes Show

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

This weekend’s Forbes Show will be an extravaganza of great local produce, livestock exhibits and entertainment thanks to a $43,000 investment from the NSW Government.

With pet shows, a mullet competition, ute barrel racing and yard dog trials, it promises to have something for everyone in the community to enjoy.

There will also be free face painting and a balloonist, and of course the main attraction for many, the show rides. One of the highlights of the show, the fireworks display, is on at 8pm tonight (Friday).

The horse events had to be cancelled unfortunately because the grounds are too wet and dangerous, but the show jumping has been moved to 8th and 9th October. The carpark for the show on Forester St has also been closed due to wet conditions.

The NSW Government’s Country Shows Support Package will help to upgrade show facilities where exhibits of local produce, art and craft and floral arrangements are housed.

The additional space will allow exhibitors to display their handywork and connect with visitors while they focus on collecting the points needed for the 2023 Royal Easter Show.

To avoid long lines at the show gate, buy your ticket online at www.123tix.com.au/events/31595/forbes-show

See you at the Forbes Show!

Our Bloke – Marty Tighe

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Marty Tighe

Where were you born? Hay.

Were you named after anyone? Not that I know of…

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Mmmm… besides my great tomatoes, spinach and beetroot crop last season, my wife and I are very proud of our children and their own accomplishments!

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Not so much a ‘moment’, but visiting the Australian war cemeteries in Europe and attending the daily ‘Last Post’ service in Ypres, Belgium are life lasting memories.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? ‘He who hesitates, is lost!’

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Jumping out of a plane, hoping to keep calm enough to pull the chute ripcord in time, which I did, just in time!!

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Water, a couple of books and my glasses!

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Fill up both cars with petrol, pay the chemist bill, get some bowls coaching and share what is left over amongst our family.

When are you happiest? Spending time with our granddaughter!

Be Seen

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes community came out in full support of the Magpies for Sunday’s grand final against the Dubbo Cyms.

Little Extras Lifestyle was one of many businesses putting up displays and decorations in their shop windows to show their support.

Black and white balloons and signs went up all over town with this group of faithful supporters getting in the spirit early Sunday morning.

Students at Forbes North Primary School dressed up to wish their team all the best.

Many Forbes businesses showed their support with the Michael Robinson & Co employees dressed up in team colours.

For Our Patients And Our Community

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The strike action at the Forbes Hospital last Thursday lasted for an hour at shift change and was part of the state-wide 24-hour strike.

Nurses, midwives and hospital staff in Forbes took part in the third state-wide strike action last Thursday.

“We were only able to strike for one hour at change of shift, for which pay will be docked,” said Chloe Scheul, assistant secretary of the Forbes District Hospital Branch of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA).

“We are fighting for safe staffing levels across the public health system. The need is urgent, staffing is in crisis and the health system is not coping,” said Chloe. “The NSW government has refused our requests for safe patient care and our immediate calls for shift-by-shift nursing and midwifery ratios. Every shift, NSW nurses and midwives are confronted with short staffing, excessive workloads and are stretched beyond what is reasonable or safe to keep our health system functioning.”

She said the changes they wanted to staffing ratios were not unreasonable or exorbitant. “We need a guaranteed number of nurses and midwives on every shift, so we can provide safe patient care.”

In her speech at the strike Chloe said: “We advocate for our patients and their families every day. We fight to ensure people have access to the best quality care. We fight to preserve dignity. When we are worried about a patient, we will fight to keep them safe, not stopping until they get the care they need.”

She said the premier and health minister had both admitted there were problems with nursing and midwifery staffing levels, while the treasurer said their demands were reasonable, but they still fail to act.

“We are the ones face-to-face with human suffering when the health system is inadequate to meet needs. We are the ones doing double shifts, overtime, coming in on our days off because we care about our patients and colleagues,” said Chloe in her speech.

“We will continue to fight for our patients and our community.”

Parkes Phoenix Editor

FOOD WASTE FACTS

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