Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Mayoral Notes…

July 11, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Wow, what a week with all the commentary regarding the Murray Darling Basin. My personal view is the separation of water from land has definitely put productivity at risk. Water has become a financial market with the people owning it having no connection to the land or food production.

We are so lucky to have two wonderful supermarkets in town, I use both regularly for the fresh food they have available. Why would anyone need to go out of town to other Supermarkets? Woolworths and Bernardi’s are both huge employers of our residents and support our town in many ways. Things are tough for all our retailers in town at the moment so please be mindful of shopping in town.

For all the walkers around the Lake I have some good news for you. The smelly substation near Show St is being replaced!

I must mention the wonderful Taxi drivers we have in town. In speaking with them this week they asked me to ask you to let them know if you are holding an event in town, to let them know beforehand, to ensure there are enough Taxi’s on standby give them a call on 6852 2222.

We sadly said goodbye to one of our long serving employees last week, Gary Bull. Such a happy soul with all of his jokes. Rest in Peace Gary, you will be missed by your beautiful family.

God Bless.
Your Mayor
Phyllis Miller

Forbes Preschool Announced As A Finalist

July 11, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Preschool Director, Amy Shine, is ecstatic with the news that Forbes Preschool was announced as one of three finalists in Australia’s Narrungunnawali Awards for 2019 on Wednesday, July 3 2019.

Reconciliation Australia launched the Narragunnawali Awards 2019 for exceptional commitment to reconciliation in education. Held biennially, the Narragunnawali Awards represent Australia’s first national awards program for reconciliation in schools and early learning services.

The awards have been designed to recognise and celebrate educational environments – across the Government, Catholic and Independent sectors – that have implemented outstanding reconciliation initiatives. These schools and early learning services will be acknowledged for the ways in which they are strengthening relationships, building respect, and providing meaningful opportunities in the classroom, around the school or early learning service, and with the community.

“Forbes Preschool has been selected as a finalist for its outstanding and genuine reconciliation initiatives as part of the everyday learning program at Forbes Preschool,” said Ms Shine.

“This award is in recognition of the passion and dedication of our whole team here at Forbes Preschool and shows they are building and strengthening relationships as well as respect,” Ms Shine said. She added, “Our programs here at Forbes Preschool are designed to truly reflect and include our entire community and encourage meaningful relationships to take our students through their whole lives. The
earlier we start these conversations and educate our children, respect and unity will be a perfectly acceptable and normal part of every child’s life,” continued Ms Shine.

We cannot wait for the judges from Narragunnawali Awards 2019 to visit Forbes Preschool and be a part of our reconciliation journey.

“Being announced as a finalist is another great honour for Forbes Preschool. To be recognised nationally shows how committed our team and our community are to being the most outstanding learning centre we can possibly be, for now and for our future,” Ms Shine said.

By Kathy Garland

Croquet Results

July 11, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Week Ending 6th July 2019
We are pleased to announce that funding for a defibrillator was granted by the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation and the Forbes Shire Council. The defibrillator has arrived and a training program was held at the Forbes Sports & Recreation Club on the 26th June, where many of our members were in attendance.

The Defibrillator has now been installed in the Croquet Club House by the capable hands of John Browne and Neville Spry. We are hoping it is never needed, but nevertheless it is a great asset and goes a step further in caring for the croquet community.

The birthday girl for July was Libby Smart, a celebratory lunch was well attended at the Sport and Recreation Club.

The Closest Games of golf croquet Tuesday July 2nd 2019:
The winners of three games were John Allegri, Colleen Liebich, Bob Murray and Kevin Rubie.

Closest games of Aussie Croquet Saturday 6th July 2019:
23 players participated in Saturday’s Aussie Croquet. There were four winners of three matches; they were John Browne, Merv Langfield, Kevin Rubie and Neville Spry. The last game was a nail biter at the end. Bill Scott and Kevin Rubie defeated Harley Stewart and Jeff Liebich 14 to 13. It was an up and down game with no one getting a clear advantage. Harley Stewart was one hoop behind as he cleared the hoop and aimed straight for the peg in an amazing shot which hit the peg.

It ended up four players aiming at the finishing peg at the same time. Bill Scott finished the game with a clean shot which hit Jeff Liebich’s ball and his second shot finished the game after hitting the peg.
By Anne Stewart

Good Day For The Mighty Forbes Platypi

July 11, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The women’s side headed to Harden last Saturday to take on the Harden She-Devils. The women’s side came away with a massive win 97-0 over the Harden side! The men’s 1st and 2nd Grade teams travelled to Cowra to take on the Cowra Eagles. Unfortunately the 2nd grade side went down 42-0 with only 12 players running on however, the team defended strongly and gave there all.

The 1st grade side came away with a comfortable win over the Eagles 21-14. This week the men’s and women’s side will play at home at Grinsted Oval against Bathurst on Saturday 13th July 2019.

For Auction – The Gooloogong Handymart

July 11, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Regional Youth Taskforce

July 4, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Would you like to have a real say in the things that matter to young people in regional NSW? Are you aged between 12- 24? The NSW Government is now recruiting for the Regional Youth Taskforce.

For the first time, the NSW Government is offering regional young people the opportunity to share their voice on issues such as getting a job, mental health and wellbeing, getting around and having things to do. The Regional Youth Taskforce will be solutions-focussed, having a say on ways the NSW Government can try to improve outcomes for regional youth.

The Regional Youth Taskforce advises Bronnie Taylor, Minister for Regional Youth on issues that affect young people living in regional NSW. The taskforce will also have input into the way the NSW Government will act on these issues.This is a voluntary position but flights and accommodation will be covered. The taskforce is expected to meet about four times a year, twice in person and twice through Skype. Meetings are likely to take place on weekends or in school holidays.

Two young people from each NSW region including Central West and Orana which includes Forbes will be selected to be on the Taskforce.

The NSW Government is looking for young people who understand and want to tackle the big issues facing young people in regional NSW. These issues include the impact of drought, youth unemployment, mental health and drugs, lack of things to do, and difficulty accessing services. Taskforce members will be young people who want to make a difference, bringing their best and brightest ideas to solve local issues.

Applicants will be asked to create a 300- word pitch to solve an issue in their region.

Applicants will be assessed on whether they demonstrate a good understanding of issues affecting young people in their region and how innovative and effective their solutions are.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo probity checks, including identity checks. This includes proof of age, proof of address, and a NSW Police Check. Applicants under 15 will not be required to submit to a Police Check.

This volunteer position gives young people an opportunity to see how governments work and how big decisions are made. This is an opportunity to build the leaders of tomorrow and for you to meet other passionate young people from all over NSW.

Windy Day At Golf

July 4, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Blustery windy conditions had a significant effect on many of the 59 players in last weekend’s Individual Stroke event, sponsored by Forbes TV & Video Repairs.

The A-Division winner was early starter Barry Parker with 69 nett, ahead of midmorning starter Brad Ashton with a 71 nett.

The B-Division winner was Richard Smith with 70 nett, a victor by count back over Denis Culley and his 70 nett.

The ball sweep went to: 69 – B Parker; 70 – R Smith, D Culley; 71 – B Squires, B Ashton, B Chandler; 72 – P Pymont, A Callaghan, R Webb; 73 – R Besgrove, A Rees, J Betland, R Morris; 74 – S Kirkman, D McAuliffe. The NTP’s went to: 9th – G Collits; 18th – K Herbert.

On a sunny but chilly Sunday the Stableford Medley field was quite small. The winner was Barb Drabsch with 25 points on count back from Ethel Coombs.

Winners in week 7 of the Winter 3’s competition were: Voucher to – Som (nett 25); Ball winners were: 25 – Som; 31.5 – T Griffiths; 34.5 – E Coombs; 35.5 S Redfern, A Watts; 36 – B Gear. The leading team is Taylor/Tucker/J Haley, but it is a tight scrap for second between teams 4 and 5.

Last week Golf Pro Adrian travelled to Samoa to participate in the Samoan Open.

He had one good round, scoring a 1-under 71, but the course was definitely difficult.

He finished in 21st place, well below his personal target of top-15.

By Short Putt

Our Lil Bloke -Jackson Markwort

July 4, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

How old are you? I am 7.

How long have you lived in or around Forbes? Ummm I don’t know. 7 years I think.

Where do you go to school and what year are you in? I go to Forbes North Public School and I am in Year 2.

What do you love most about school? Playing with my friends.

What is your favourite sport and why? Soccer, because I like playing it.

What is your favourite food? Tomatoes.

What do you do in your spare time? Watch TV and ride motorbikes.

If you could have a superpower what would it be? Ummm be super speedy!

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. I like doing maths.

Forbes Eisteddfod Win For Forbes Public School

July 4, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Public School Stage 2/3 Primary School dance group have come away with first place after they performed in the ‘School Dance’ Section at the Forbes Eisteddfod last week. In second place was Parkes East Public Stage 3, Third place went to St Joseph’s Primary in Molong and four Highly Commended awards went to Holy Family Primary Boys Dance, Holy Family Primary “Dance Divas”, Forbes North Public School and the Holy Family Primary “Dancing Queens”.

The Stage 2/3 Primary School dance group who included Forbes Public School students Jade McKeown, Summer Hurford, Lola Morrison, Jemma Hodder, Billy Duggan, Millie Crowley, Bella Male, Audrey Walker and Ellie Pointon were amongst 11 other school groups in the region and scored an impressive 91 from the adjudicator.

“The energy and enthusiasm the girls displayed on stage was uplifting and their smiles lit up like Luna Park. It was incredibly entertaining and I was very proud of them all,” said teacher Miss Hodge.

“A special mention must go to Miss Gersbach who coordinated the dance, working tirelessly through break times and after school to help the girls create this phenomenal dance,” continued Miss Hodge.

In other Forbes Eisteddfod news the Most Outstanding School over all sections was awarded to St Laurence’s Catholic School in Forbes. The Forbes Town and District Band came a close second to the Parkes Shire Concert Band in the Open Band Group followed by Lachlan Regional Orchestra in third place.

SNIPPETS…

July 4, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

2019 Elvis Festival Thanks: Last Thursday Forbes Shire Council received a lovely thank you from organisers Tiffany and Cathy from the Parkes Elvis Festival. Forbes Shire Council are excited to be involved again next year too! It is a wonderful event bringing people from far and wide to this wonderful part of the world we call home.

Great news for our region’s seniors: The State Government will ease the cost of travel for rural and regional seniors from January next year, through the rollout of the $250 Regional Seniors Transport Card. Travel is one of the most significant household costs for residents living in Regional NSW and this new card will be a huge help to many seniors struggling with cost of living pressures. Seniors will be able to use the $250 to purchase fuel and pay for taxi fares from participating providers in rural and regional NSW, and pre-booked NSW TrainLink train and coach services. With longer distances to travel, seniors rely more heavily on private travel which can be a more expensive option. Further details about the rollout of the $250 Regional Seniors’ Transport Cards will be made available later in the year.

Contributions: If you have a Thumbs Up/Down, Snippet, Be Seen Photo, Stork News, Wedding Bell or Catch of the Week we would love to hear from you! Simply email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au we love all contributions!

Congratulations St Laurence’s Parish School: On being the recipients of the Most Outstanding School Award at the Forbes Eisteddfod! The School are very proud of this achievement and the great effort that was made in preparing for the eisteddfod. A special eisteddfod concert was held in the school hall yesterday for family and friends of the school.

Way Back When: Have you got an old photograph of a local person or a photograph of Forbes way back when? If so we would love to see it for our new feature “Way Back When”, simply email your photo and information to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Templar St Beautification: Work has begun on the eastern end of Templar Street as part of the CBD Masterplan. There will be no disruption to pedestrians and minimal traffic disruption at this time. The street will feature new tree planting, irrigation and solar lights, all part of the beautification of this street. We will keep you posted on the completion of this part of the project.

New Fishing Platform: Have you seen the new fishing platform at Lions Park that was installed last week? It is now ready for some fishing action this weekend! A great spot to check out these school holidays!

2nd Active Kids Voucher Now Available: The NSW Government has announced that you can now apply for a second $100 Active Kids Voucher (valid until 31st December 2019) to further contribute to sport and active recreation costs with an approved provider. All you need to do is login to your MyServiceNSW Account and click on Apply for Active Kids Voucher 2. For more information head to www.service.nsw.gov.au

Do you love to tell stories? The Forbes Phoenix are currently looking for a locally based reporter/editor for the paper each week. Hours are flexible to suit the right candidate. Come and join our amazing local team and deliver the good news to Forbes each week. If you are interested please call Sarah on 6344 1846 or email publisher@phoenixnewspapers.com.au

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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